Flynn is back in Minors’ plans

Date Published: 30-Jul-2010

THE return of vice-captain Thomas Flynn to training this week has boosted the Galway minor football squad in the countdown to their All-Ireland quarter final clash with Longford at Hyde Park Roscommon on Saturday (2pm).

Flynn sustained a hand injury in a club match leading up to the Connacht final a fortnight ago and was unavailable for the Mayo match but the plaster was taken off the hand of the midfielder this week and he is back in contention.

The Athenry teenager, one of just two survivors from last year’s starting team, is unlikely to start though and will probably be sprung from the bench as an impact substitute. “He is respected and it’s great news to have him back in training,” said Fahy.

Captain and midfielder Eanna Ó hEochaidh (An Spidéal) and Leitir Mór defender Colm MacDonnacha, who both missed the Connacht final with collarbone and knee injuries respectively, are still unavailable but the return to the fold of such an influential player like Flynn has had a positive impact on the rest of the players.

There are no other major injury concerns for manager Gerry Fahy and his backroom team who brought the squad for a run out at Hyde Park on Monday evening to familiarise the players with the venue ahead of the clash with the Leinster champions.

The team, expected to be announced late Wednesday night, is unlikely to differ too much from the side that were beaten by five points, 3-9 to 1-10, by Mayo in the provincial decider although Peadar Ó Gríofa, who came on as a substitute in the first-half after recovering from a metatarsal injury, probably impressed enough to be given a starting berth.

Galway lost by five points to Mayo at McHale Park on Connacht final day but they were probably much closer to the green and red than the score line suggests. The Tribesmen led by a point after 43 minutes but conceded three goals in four minutes which would sink any team. Fahy was impressed with their attitude, though, and says the experience of the big occasion will stand to them.

For a more detailed report see page 52 of this week’s City Tribune