Eamonn Cregan's preparations for Limerick's All-Ireland hurling quarter-final with Wexford on Sunday week have been upset by the news that one his team selectors has been suspended for 12 months.

Michael Fitzgerald, who joined Cregan's management team as one of his four selectors at the start of this season, received the suspension from the South Divisional Board after it was learned that the Kilmallock under-12 team had fielded an illegal player in a recent local championship match against Macroom.

The South Board met on Monday night and made the decision to suspend Fitzgerald, who is chairman of the Kilmallock under-age teams, as well as club secretary John O'Donnell.

Fitzgerald was previously treasurer of the Limerick County Board and working closely with Cregan this year as the Limerick senior hurlers progressed to the Munster final.

Although Cregan received the news late last night, he was also awaiting the full details of the story. "It will be disappointing to lose him ahead of the quarter-final," he said. "And I know the players will be disappointed also.

"But we still have three other selectors along with myself and I don't think it will affect our preparations too much."

It is understood that Fitzgerald is set to appeal the decision to the county board. County secretary Jimmy Hartigan said last night that the suspension so far has been a matter between Fitzgerald and the South Board although the opportunity is there for an appeal to the county board.

As a result of the suspension, Fitzgerald cannot now play any part in Limerick's preparation for the quarter-final against Wexford at Croke Park. Earlier this week, Fitzgerald had revealed how much he was looking forward to the game on July 29th, calling it the "best they could have wished for" in terms of presenting a difficult test for Limerick.

Cregan had already made the decision to cancel a challenge game against Galway, scheduled for the Gaelic Grounds last night.

Monday night's training session ended with Mark Foley picking up a hand injury and another eight players on the physio table so Cregan felt it was pointless to risk any further injuries.

Meanwhile, the Limerick under-21 hurling side are looking for an alternative date for their Munster final against Tipperary.

Scheduled for August 1st at the Gaelic Grounds, it comes just three days after the seniors will have played Wexford in the quarter-finals and with so many under-21s in that side, the management feel the dates are too close.

They are to suggest August 4th as an alternative date but that is subject to agreement from Tipperary who, on August 12th, will themselves be on duty in the All Ireland senior hurling semi -finals. Limerick are the current All-Ireland champions at under-21 level.