Collins joins hurlers casualty list

THE long serving David Collins and Tynagh/Abbey-Duniry’s Padraig Brehony have joined Galway hurlers’ long list of injury victims ahead of the Tribesmen’s Walsh Cup semi-final against Kilkenny in Freshford on Sunday (2pm).

Collins sustained a groin injury in training in the run-in to last weekend’s victory over Offaly and Cunningham says he is reluctant to risk the experienced defender so early in the year.

As for midfielder Brehony, he was forced to withdraw after just 12 minutes with a leg injury against the Faithful County and it is understood he will be out of action for the next two weeks. It’s disappointing for the former minor star as he was reported to be going very well in training.

Of course, Cunningham is already without the likes of David Burke, Cyril Donnellan and Iarla Tannian due to injury while the Portumna contingent continue to be unavailable due to their club commitments ahead of their All-Ireland club semi-final against Na Piarsaigh of Limerick on Saturday, February 8.

On a brighter note, Oranmore/Maree’s Niall Burke, who is due to have an operation in early February, is available for this Sunday’s battle with the Cats. Burke, although a little short on match sharpness, was central in helping to turn the game around against Offaly with his ball-winning ability and a crucial score.

Another to impress upon his introduction was Beagh’s Padraig Landers, who took his fine club form of recent years and translated it into a lively showing on his senior debut. A handful for the Offaly defence, he capped an impressive 27 minutes with a point.

Landers was just one of eight new players to feature last Sunday and Cunningham was reasonably happy with their respective displays. “Yeah, a lot of new players came in and it went well for them. So, we were delighted with that.

Full preview in this week’s Connacht Tribune.