Kilkenny's Michael Fennelly is a doubt for the hurling championship opener against Offaly next month after injuring his ankle in a club game last night.

The 2011 Hurler of the Year went over on his ankle while playing for Ballyhale Shamrocks against Clara. He was treated on the pitch for five minutes before being taken to St Luke’s Hospital for an X-ray.

A Kilkenny spokesman said the ankle was badly swollen, but the Cats are hopeful there is no break.

A serious injury would be a bitter blow for the All-Ireland champions, after Fennelly stepped up to full forward against Tipperary in the league final and scored 2-3.

In the absence of Henry Shefflin, who recently suffered a setback when fracturing a metatarsal, they could ill-afford to lose Fennelly for the June 9th opener, as well.