Galway have suffered a major blow ahead of their opening championship game this Sunday against London with captain Paul Conroy pulling out with injury.
Conroy, who was nominated for an All Star last season, has suffered a hairline fracture in his right metatarsal after a clash with Gary O’Donnell (Tuam Stars ) at training.
The St James' clubman, who was on the last Galway team to win a senior provincial title in 2008, has featured in every senior championship clash with Galway since then.
Conroy, a business and Irish teacher in the Jes in Galway city, is “very disappointed” he will not be able to lead Galway out against London, who reached the Connacht final in 2013.
“It is very, very disappointing because I've never missed a championship match with injury before,” Conroy says.
“We know it will be a very difficult game. London beat Sligo and Leitrim last year so it will be tough over there.
“Hopefully if we get over the London game, I might be back for the next round, but we are not looking beyond London. It will be a tough match in Ruislip and we will need to produce a good performance.”
While Conroy's absence is significant, there is some positive injury news for Galway boss Alan Mulholland.
Defenders Joss Moore and Finian Hanley, and forward Sean Armstrong, are all expected to be available for selection as the Tribesmen will be seeking to book a June 21 provincial semi-final date with Sligo.
