Galway bank on new blood for return to league action

THINGS have changed – and changed utterly – since Galway last kicked a football in love or anger in the National League last March, but the one constant that Covid-19 will never take hostage is the huge rivalry between the Tribesmen and next-door neighbours Mayo.

Sunday’s rescheduled National League fixture at Tuam Stadium (2pm) between these two great rivals may be without the added heat that supporters invariably bring and, yet, Galway manager Padraic Joyce does not think this will in any way take from the contest.

“They (players) are just so focused on the game; I don’t think the (lack of) crowd is a huge matter for them,” he begins. “It is disappointing that their family and friends won’t be there, but there is nothing we can do about that. We have to get on and play it.”

It has been with some interest that pundits and supporters alike have waited to see what Joyce’s selection would be for Galway’s first fixture upon their return. By and large, the core group that lined out in the National League in the spring return, but there have been a couple of additions.

For one, defender Sean Andy Kelly, who has seen little or no action under the current management, comes into a defence that retains goalkeeper Connor Gleeson, Johnny Heaney, Liam Silke, Johnny Duane and Cillian McDaid. Young Claregalway defender Conor Campbell makes his first National League start at corner-back.

In midfield, one of the new boys to the senior squad, Salthill/Knocknacarra’s John Maher, has been named after impressing Joyce in the club championship and training. Maher will be partnered by Caherlistrane’s Cein D’Arcy.

Another player set to get his chance is Corofin’s Jason Leonard. A player who has impressed for his club in their multiple All-Ireland triumphs in recent years, some would argue this appearance in a Galway shirt is long overdue.

For more, read this week’s Galway City Tribune.

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