Another injury blow for Galway hurlers

Date Published: 21-Dec-2010

STEPHEN GLENNON

FOR the second week running, Galway senior hurlers have suffered another setback with the news that Gort sharpshooter Richie Cummins has been forced to pull out of the squad for 2011.

Following the revelation that outgoing captain Shane Kavanagh would, at the very least, miss out on Galway’s National League campaign, manager John McIntyre and his backroom staff have now also to come to terms with the loss of, potentially, another significant player.

While Cummins was not a mainstay of the team this year, his cameo appearance in the 2-21 to 1-23 victory over Kilkenny in the National Hurling League in Nowlan Park last March suggested he was certainly a prospect for the future.

Indeed, his pace combined with his fearless nature were attributes many pundits commented on after that win.However, a recurring ankle injury subsequently impacted on his performances for club and county over the year and both suffered as a result.

Gort failed to qualify from the group stages of the senior hurling championship, while Galway U-21s needed Cummins to be firing on all cylinders if they were to have any chance of scalping Tipperary in the All-Ireland decider.

Cummins will now undergo surgery on the ankle injury between mid to late January, meaning the 2009 All-Ireland minor winning captain will not be able to return to training until late Spring. No doubt, it’s another blow to the Galway set-up.

“Richie has been in trouble (with his ankle) for quite a while,” outlined Galway boss McIntyre. “An MRI scan has confirmed our worst fears and he now needs surgery. As a result, he is going to be out of action for three to four months after his operation. Obviously, it will reduce our attacking options, particularly as he is a natural corner forward.”

With Kavanagh (ankle), Damien Hayes (knees), Kevin Hynes (calves) and Aidan Harte (hip) all on the treatment table – and four-time All-Star corner back Ollie Canning having announced his retirement – Galway would appear to be already on the back-foot before a ball has been struck in anger in 2011.The Tribesmen will open their Walsh Cup campaign against either Carlow or DIT in the Walsh Cup on Sunday, January 23.