Bradshaw ruled out, Faherty is doubtful

Date Published: {J}

FRANK FARRAGHER

IT won’t exactly be the battle of the upper classes when Galway face Mayo in round three of the National Football League at Tuam Stadium on Sunday (2.30) . . . but the ‘feuding neighbours’ syndrome should still ensure an enthralling contest.

 Galway are rooted at the bottom of the league table with nothing on the slate, while Mayo are only marginally better off, having one point on deposit from their draw with Down in Castlebar.

 The hallowed old stadium though will still be rocking on Sunday – there’s nothing like a mix of 4,000 ‘Galway and Mayos’ to ignite a few sticks of tribal dynamite, even in bad times for both counties. 

Galway manager, Tomás Ó Flatharta again remains incommunicado this week – alas with no message to deliver to the footballing public of the county – but it seems that he will have to plan without the services of Gareth Bradshaw, out for the next month at least, with a hamstring injury.

Goalkeeper Adrian Faherty is also on the doubtful list with a thigh injury, but players like Joe Bergin and Diarmuid Blake, are back in the thick of the action although Michael Meehan and Padraic Joyce remain on the long term casualty list, while Nicky Joyce’s future with the county set-up continues to remain in doubt.

Killererin’s Colin Forde, who made an encouraging start against Down, is again likely to start, backboning the defence along with one of the original three captains in Finian Hanley. St. James’ Eoin Concannon is fit again and could add a bit of scoring power to the forward line.

Galway are still struggling to come up with a viable midfield and they badly miss the punch of the Joyces and Mike Meehan to deliver the big blows up front, although as an overall observation, there could be no faulting the spirit and character of the side last Sunday.

James Horan’s Mayo side will also have this match marked out as a ‘must win’ game in terms of league survival and it took a controversial late penalty to turn the tide Kerry’s way last Sunday, against the men in red and green at McHale Park.

Galway selector Martin McNamara said this week that Galway were really looking forward to the clash with Mayo in Tuam Stadium, despite the tough start to the league campaign.

“There is always something special about Galway-Mayo matches in Tuam and I suppose in terms of our league prospects, it will be a critical match for both counties. Whoever wins on Sunday can push on from there,” said McNamara.