Hurlers hit by double injury blow for final

STEPHEN GLENNON

TURLOUGHMORE defender Fergal Moore and Craughwell attacker Niall Healy will both miss Galway’s bid for a ninth National League hurling title when the Tribesmen meet Cork in the decider at Semple Stadium, Thurles on Sunday (7pm).

Moore returned to competitive action with his club last weekend, but suffered a set-back when aggravating an ankle injury. As for Healy – who gave a man of the match display, scoring 2-9 against Cork in the final round-robin tie a fortnight ago – he sustained an ankle injury in Craughwell’s first round senior championship victory over Kiltormer.

Both will be significant losses to the Galway set-up come Sunday.“Fergal was probably not 100% going into that (club) game, but he had to see where he was in relation to the injury,” said Galway manager John McIntyre. “Unfortunately, Niall also sustained an ankle injury playing for Craughwell in the county championship last weekend. He was still sore on Wednesday, and just time was against him being 100% for the final.

“At this level, you need players 100% injury-free, and right physically, for your big games. Fergal and Niall are understandably big losses, but I am confident we have sufficient options to cope with their absences.”

Indeed, the Galway squad this season has looked extremely formidable, underlined when the Tribesmen’s so called second string defeated the Leesiders on a scoreline of 3-17 to 2-13 in that final group league game at Pearse Stadium earlier in the month.

No wonder, then, the Galway management has been deliberating long and hard over their selection this week, with McIntyre and company delaying naming their starting XV until this evening (Thursday). That said, Colm Callanan will most likely get the nod ahead of James Skehill for the goalkeeping position, while Damien Joyce, captain Shane Kavanagh and All-Star Ollie Canning should make up a resolute full-back line.

The formation of the half-back unit, though, is somewhat of a dilemma. Former captain David Collins should line out at right half back, with either Tony Óg Regan or John Lee filling out the centre-half back berth. The other could then move to No. 7, although Castlegar’s Donal Barry has made a strong claim for a starting position following a number of solid displays throughout Galway’s league campaign.

Ger Farragher will, no doubt, be reinstated to midfield, with St. Thomas’ David Burke, Portumna duo Eoin Lynch and Andy Smith, and Mullagh’s Niall Cahalan all possible options to complete the centre-field partnership.

In attack, Galway welcome back Pearses’ Cyril Donnellan from suspension, although it remains to be seen if Portumna’s Kevin Hayes did enough in the recent Cork clash to merit his selection ahead of Donnellan for the final. Meanwhile, Galway have an abundance of options for the wings, with Aonghus Callanan, Eanna Ryan, Aidan Harte, Iarla Tannian and Smith all viable options.

Inside, one would expect Joe Canning to claim the full-forward berth, with Damien Hayes – having hit 1-2 when introduced against Cork last day out – to feature at corner forward. The other corner forward berth could go to a plethora of players, including Tannian, Harte, Finian Coone or Joe Gantley, who hit an impressive 2-4 for Beagh in their club championship victory over Killimordaly last Saturday.

For more, read this week's Connacht Tribune.