Injuries easing for tough test against Wexford

Date Published: {J}

STEPHEN GLENNON

GALWAY senior hurlers’ injury crisis – which at one stage saw nearly 20 players on the treatment table – would seem to have finally abated, with just Portumna duo Eugene McEntee and Kevin Hayes, definitely ruled out for Saturday’s Leinster championship quarter-final against Wexford at Nowlan Park, Kilkenny (7pm).There had been serious concerns over the fitness of defenders Ollie Canning (ankle), Donal Barry (dead leg) and Conor Dervan (dislocated thumb and hip), midfielder Ger Farragher (dead leg) and attackers Niall Healy (ankle) and Richie Cummins (calf), all of whom bar Healy were unable to partake in the trial game at Galway Hurling’s Open Day last Saturday. However, the six players in question did take part in Tuesday evening’s run-out at Kenny Park and appeared to come through it okay.That is a massive boost to Galway boss John McIntyre and his management team as they have had already had to come to terms with the loss of outstanding corner-back Fergal Moore (ankle) for the year. “Yeah, our injury problems have definitely eased over the past few days, although Eugene McEntee (groin) and Kevin Hayes (hamstring) are out of contention for selection through injury,” confirms McIntyre.“Everybody else took part in the training session at Kenny Park on Tuesday night and the mood in the camp is good. We intend to put our best foot forward against Wexford in Nowlan Park. We will be taking no chances and we will treat them with the respect they deserve.”Although McIntyre and company are not due to announce their starting XV until later this evening (Thursday), with injuries clearing they could potentially name the same starting side that claimed a 2-22 to 1-17 victory over Cork in the National League Division 1 final earlier this month.That would see Kinvara custodian Colm Callanan resume his role between the posts, with Damien Joyce, captain Shane Kavanagh and All-Star Ollie Canning lining out in the full-back berths. Donal Barry, Tony Óg Regan and David Collins would fill the half-back positions.In midfield, Player of the League Ger Farragher and St. Thomas’ David Burke have formed a decent partnership, which will only flourish further with game time together under their belts.For more, read this week's Connacht Tribune.