THE GALWAY FOOTBALLERS have been dealt a major blow as Gareth Bradshaw has decided to take a break from the inter-county scene.
Bradshaw, who captained Galway in the absence of Finian Hanley for their 17-point Connacht Championship loss against Mayo on May 19th, has opted out of the Corribsiders’ panel.
The 26 year-old was sent off in that record defeat to Mayo and will miss out on the first round of the All-Ireland qualifiers on June 29th through suspension.
There is speculation that Bradshaw, who won a provincial title in 2008, may rejoin the Galway panel if they progress later in the summer, but the Moycullen star is currently unavailable.
In his six senior campaigns Bradshaw has featured for Galway under Liam Sammon, Joe Kernan, Tomas O’Flatharta, and Alan Mulholland.
Bradshaw’s departure will be a blow for Galway, who returned to training this week as they seek to recover from the demoralising defeat to Mayo.
That’s great work. Best of luck to all these lads. With the other new signings and maybe 1 or 2 more they could build a really good side.
@Chris Mc: tbh if they only add 1-2 new signings on top of these lads then I think they’ve got a significantly weaker squad than they had last season. They need a few lads who have experience of top level rugby and who’re ready to go straight into the first team.
@Jim Demps: correct Jim unfortunately Connacht are being sacrificed for IRFU budget cuts
@Jim Demps: disappointing Jim to see Connacht cast once more as the IRFU’s development province in order that the increasingly desperate attempt to drag Munster to a trophy (any trophy) or even a final continues. There are still gaps at No8 and the full back/wing for Connacht to fill before we return to action in August, but it does seem like there will be just two (maximum) experienced arrivals.
@Jim Demps: I’m with you on that one, at least 4 good players needed to be similar to last seasons squad
@David Finn: I still reckon there’ll be a bit more than that, I’d be hopeful anyway. Maybe two overseas signings and another 2-3 internal?
@Jim Demps: you’d hope so.
@David Finn: they’ll be incredibly light if that’s not the case
@Jim Demps: I think the 4 signing added to the players promoted with a injury free run and Carty and Marmion hitting form and they have the basis of a really decent side.
It’s great these lads are getting a chance, but it doesn’t gloss over that that Connacht are getting weaker each year, badly need competition for places.
Delighted for the young lads but must say underwhelmed with recruitment and consequently our ambition for next couple years. Squad stripped off senior players , replaced with young lads who will take time to be able to survive at senior rugby never mind thriving which is what is needed. Hopefully 4 places still available to be filled with some decent senior strong players aka bring what Muldowney, McCartney, Fainga, Clarke, etc brought you Connacht.
Peter Sullivan has all the ingredients to make it let just hope they’re all given a fair crack of the whip to develop.
Good to see youth promoted through the ranks and we wish them well in their careers.
There is no doubt that all squads will have tighten their belts and we will probably not see many if indeed any so called big money signings for a few years to come, other than those already agreed.
Academy players fit the bill, financially and also promote support from the fans, Ho have watched their development.
Patience will be required in that it is more than likely a two or three year project before it bears fruit.
Fantastic trust shown by Andy Friend and his coaching team and really building for the future. It sends a very strong message to young players in the province. Delighted for our 3 Buccaneers players, superb young men, very talented and deserve their shot
@Pol O’Broin: fantastic trust or lack of budget