Cork hurler Paudie O'Sullivan is undergoing an operation today following a nasty leg break when playing for divisional outfit Imokilly in the Cork Senior Hurling Championship against Cork IT.
The 24-year old suffered a broken fibula and tibia during the game in Carrigtwohill last night and is ruled out of Cork's 2013 Championship campaign.
It is a major blow for both O'Sullivan and the Rebels squad who open their Munster Championship campaign against either Clare or Waterford on June 23 at the semi-final stage.
O'Sullivan sustained the injury after just seven minutes and was transferred to hospital by ambulance.
Cork IT were leading the game by 0-2 to 0-1 at that stage, with O'Sullivan claiming Imokilly's point before the injury, with referee Kevin Murphy subsequently abandoning the tie.
Paudie's brothers Eoin and four-time All-Star Diarmuid were also a part of the Imokilly starting line-up.
Former Cork full-back Diarmuid today tweeted his thanks to those who helped Paudie in the immediate aftermath of his injury.
"Thank you to @Carrig2hillGAA and @CIT_ie especially the doc for the fantastic care they provided Paudie with on the field last night," he wrote.