Waterford's preparations for Sunday's All-Ireland hurling quarter-final against Galway have been hit by Jack Kennedy's defection from the squad. Kennedy was substituted after 27 minutes of the Deise's Munster final defeat to Tipperary last Sunday week and has opted off the panel since then. Kennedy is, however, expected to continue playing with his club, Ballyduff Lower. Waterford manager Davy Fitzgerald is also sweating on the fitness of corner back Noel Connors. The under 21 star limped out of training yesterday with a knee injury and will have a scan today to ascertain the full extent of the damage. Fitzgerald is already planning without Ken McGrath and Gary Hurney due to knee and collarbone injuries respectively. Tweet

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