Galway manager Joe Kernan has drafted in eight new players for the FBD League, which will start next weekend.

Former All-Ireland minor star Michael Martin is among the new players called up to this level, while others include Cillian de Paor, younger brother of All-Star Sean Og, and Barna's Eoin McDonagh, son of former GAA President Joe.

Kernan said that the weather has disrupted plans, but he is looking forward to the new season.

Along with selectors Sean O Domhnaill and Tom Naughton, Kernan has trawled through Galway looking for new talent.

"We managed to see all the club semi-finals and finals in the senior, intermediate and juniors and several players impressed.

"But the three trial matches that we held were the big help, especially the last one when everyone gave it their all," said Kernan. "I had planned to assess the squad after the FBD League was over, but we will probably take another look after a few games of the NFL. It is only fair that they all get a fair crack of the whip and with the weather as it is it's very hard to assess them."

A number of established players, including Padraig Joyce, Cormac Bane, Barry Cullinane, Damien Dunleavy and Finian Hanley, are recovering from injury but will be back for the national league.

"The ideal squad for the league would be about 35 or 36 players, but we want to give everyone a chance. Getting the injured players back to fitness is our main priority, but they won't be rushed. We want to give lads the chance to play to impress," concluded Kernan.

Galway begin their FBD League campaign next Sunday against Sligo in Tuam and will also play Leitrim and GMIT before opening their national league campaign away to Mayo.

Galway squad for FBD League: Declan Meehan (Caltra), Diarmuid Blake (Milltown), Eoin Concannon (St James), Fiachra Breathnach (Leitir Moir), Darren Mullahy (Milltown), Gary O'Donnell (Tuam Stars), Joe Bergin (Mountbellew/Moylough), Mark Lydon (Moycullen), Matthew Clancy (Oughterard), Michael Meehan (Caltra), Niall Coleman (Annaghdown), Nicky Joyce (Killererin), Paul Doherty (Tuam Stars), Anthony ‘Toto' Griffin (Leitir Mor), Niall Coyne (Carna/Cashel), Conor Healy (Salthill), Jamie Murphy (Tuam), Paddy Kennedy (Barna), Donal O'Neill (Cortoon), Michael Martin (Cortoon), Eoin O Conghaile (Leitir Moir), Eoin McDonagh (Barna), John Paul O'Connell (Claregalway), and Cilian de Paor (An Caethru Rua).

Comments (0) »

Show/Hide comment form

Name

Email

Title

Comment

Write the displayed characters

Add Comment