Updated 14.22pm
GALWAY MANAGER KEVIN Walsh has named his starting XV for Sunday’s Connacht SFC opener against New York.
The Tribesmen flew out to the Big Apple this morning with three of Corofin’s All-Ireland club championship winning side set to start in Gaelic Park (8pm Irish time).
Liam Silke, Gary Sice and Micheál Lundy all retain their places following their involvement in the latter stages of the league campaign.
Silke, Cathal and Patrick Sweeney, and Peadar Ó Gríofa all make their championship debuts.
Corner-back Johnny Duane and forward Danny Cummins have both been passed fit following their respective ankle and hamstring injuries.
Tom Flynn (knee), Gareth Bradshaw (ankle) and Damien Comer (mouth) are all included on the subs bench.
Galway
1. Brian O’Donoghue (Claregalway)
2. Johnny Duane (St James)
3. Finian Hanley (Salthill/Knocknacarra)
4. Cathal Sweeney (Killannin)
5. Liam Silke (Corofin)
6. Gary O’Donnell (Tuam Stars)
7. Seán Denvir (Micheal Breathnach)
8. Fiontán Ó Curraoin (Micheal Breathnach)
9. Paul Conroy (St James) – captain
10. Gary Sice (Corofin)
11. Shane Walsh (Kilkerrin/Clonberne)
12. Michael Lundy (Corofin)
13. Peadar Ó Gríofa (Micheal Breathnach)
14. Patrick Sweeney (Killannin)
15. Danny Cummins (Claregalway)
Subs
16. Tom Healy (Corofin)
17. Gareth Bradshaw (Moycullen)
18. Ian Burke (Corofin)
19. Damien Comer (Annaghdown)
20. Adrian Varley (Cortoon Shamrocks)
21. Tom Flynn (Athenry)
22. Paul Varley (Cortoon Shamrocks)
23. Eddie Hoare (St Michael’s)
24. Declan Coyne (Clonbur)
25. Michael Martin (Milltown)
26. Paddy Naughton (Barna)
27. Conor Healy (Salthill-Knocknacarra)
28. Thomas Fahy (Killererin)
Opponents New York have 12 counties represented on their team with six survivors from the side that lost out to Mayo last year in Gavin Joyce, Ronan McGinley, Gerard McCartan, Keith Scally, Ross Wherity and Gary O’Driscoll.
Notable inclusions are ex-Wexford senior PJ Banville in attack while Offaly’s Brian Connor, who missed out last due to work commitments, is back on the panel.
New York
1. Gavin Joyce (Cavan NY – Ballymartin, Down)
2. Ronan McGinley (Cavan NY – Errigal Ciarán, Tyrone)
3. Gerard McCartan (Kerry NY – Burren, Down)
4. Keith Quinn (Donegal NY – Mayobridge, Down)
5. Brian Gibbons (Kerry NY – Knockmore,Mayo)
6. Keith Scally (Westmeath NY – Tyrrellspass, Westmeath)
7. Colm Maginn (Cavan NY – Drumgath, Down)
8. Andrew Hope (Cavan NY – Lucan Sarsfields, Dublin)
9. Brian Connor (Donegal NY – Walsh Island, Offaly)
10. Ross Wherity (Kerry NY – St Eunan’s, Donegal)
11. Niall McFeely (Donegal NY – Foreglen, Derry)
12. Darren Freeman (Monaghan NY – Clones, Monaghan)
13. JJ Matthews (Longford NY – St Columba’s, Longford)
14. PJ Banville (Donegal NY – Horeswood, Wexford)
15. Gary O’Driscoll (Kerry NY – Skellig Rangers, Kerry)
Subs
16. Jer O’Sullivan (Kerry NY – Firies, Kerry)
17. Jason Kelly (Offaly NY – Shannonbridge, Offaly)
18. Johnny McGeeney (Donegal NY – Culloville, Armagh)
19. Eoin McPhillips (Cavan NY – Denn, Cavan)
20. Killian Moynagh (Cavan NY – Drumgoon, Cavan)
21. Eoin Ward (Cavan NY – Carrigallen, Leitrim)
22. David Nation (Longford NY – Nemo Rangers, Cork)
23. Shamus O’Sullivan (Kerry NY – Skellig Rangers, Kerry)
24. Michael Hallissey (Cavan NY – Beaufort, Kerry)
25. Shane Hogan (St Barnabas)
26. Ger McCullagh (Cork NY – Ratoath, Meath)
27. Sean O Neill (Rangers – Ballyhogue, Wexford)
I think this will be one of the most anticipated munster games for quite a while. I’m really looking forward to it. Nothing on the line, everyone expecting a hammering given the preparation. Bring it on.
@Jim Demps: well said Jim. Nothing to loose and everything to gain. Munster Abu!
@Jim Demps: I was actually looking forward to the matches in SA too, especially to see how the fringe players were going to get on
@Jim Demps: so now that JGP and Lowe have improved so much, you’ve turned your attention on Harry Byrne here and also on YouTube comments on OTB. You sad man, disgrace to the great province of Munster.
@Phil Mc Donald: were all very proud of Jim in the great province of Munster.. he’s getting the keys to the tractor after his otb fame.. up the banner, Gwan Munster and Gwan Jim Demps ya ligind
@Jim Demps: 465 international caps and 11lions caps in this squad. All the academy lads are playing AIL since the start of the season and Ian Costello was coaching the Wasps last season, that has to account for something. Wasps are struggling with injuries. My money is on Munster.
One players misfortune is a another opportunity. Sometimes a team that is forced into changes comes out the better for it. Take Campbell and Bulter, they will probably be the starting full back and out half for the Irish u20 team this year. Wren was excellent with the u20’s 2 years ago and would probably have played a bit more for Munster only for injuries.
Can’t wait for this game. Feels like Munster have nothing to lose and will have to come out and play a bit which would be great. I love the premiership but it just doesn’t seem to be at the same level as a few years ago so be great to see what the young lads can do.
This pandemic is literally the best thing to happen to Munster in years! Forced to finally blood talented academy players over the last season or so has given Munster and Ireland some amazing prospects that in the previous 10 seasons or so, would have stagnated until 23 or so and now be pottering around in the RFU Championship. Now this crazy situation will fast track another batch! The good work Malone did in the academy is now coming to fruition. Pity he wasn’t “yes man” enough for Nucifora and van Graan. Still though, the bones of a proper squad appearing for the next 5-6 years.
@SomeGuy: in fairness to Munster, they have been blooding youngsters over the past few seasons, Coombes x 2, Crowley, Healy, Nash, Wycherley, Knox, Casey etc
Just can’t see this going well. Think we will be doing well to keep with them for 60 minutes but once our inexperienced bench comes on I fear the worst. I hope I’m wrong.
Can’t wait. Box kicks, no passing, no awareness of space. SUAF
Does anyone know if the players who are presently isolating in South Africa have to isolate for another 10 days when they get back to Ireland
@Kevin Ryan: Yes they do.
Great to see the AIL being used so much
Anyone know which players were left behind in S.A?