CONNACHT HAVE FURTHER strengthened their backline resources for the second half of the season with the short-term signing of Stephen Fitzgerald from Munster.
Fitzgerald, the older brother of Connacht academy out-half Conor, joins the western province on a three-month loan deal, and becomes the third player to move to the Sportsground in the last week.
Andy Friend’s midfield options were boosted with the arrival of Tom Daly from Leinster while Connacht also secured the signing of Angus Lloyd — who has had spells with Ulster and Munster — as scrum-half injury cover before Christmas.
23-year-old Fitzgerald has made seven senior appearances for Munster but hasn’t featured for Johann van Graan’s side this term, and his move to Galway will provide him with an opportunity to gain senior game time.
The former Ireland U20 international is primarily a fullback but can also play on the wing and will be a useful option for Friend, with Craig Ronaldson, Niyi Adeolokun, Eoin Griffin, Peter Robb and Colm De Buitlear all currently sidelined.
Fitzgerald, who previously represented the Limerick hurlers at minor level, signed a one-year contract extension with Munster last February, but having been beset by injuries has yet to make the breakthrough at Thomond Park.
Fitzgerald, like Daly and Lloyd, could come into contention for Connacht’s Guinness Pro14 inter-pro against Ulster at the Sportsground on Friday night [KO 7.35pm, TG4, eir Sport].
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So many GAA players are Suffering very bad injuries over there. Tommy Walsh, Ciaran Sheehan etc
@Buff Egan: you’re only saying that because they’re good players that went over there from here. Lots of players here get similar injuries and nothing is ever said. Nothing to do with going over there.
@Mark Mc Donnell: Well said
@Dulra Cork: GAA is rife with concussions and knee and hip injuries but there is nothing said. Every county/club team nearly always has some player out with said injuries
@Patrick O Connell: Hip injuries in particular. Players twisting and turning on wet ground consistently without the proper warm ups. The day I went to a surgeon he conducted 5 hip operations, the youngest was 30.
@James Elphick: “without proper warms ups” is the least of the issues.
Try an overloaded season for years and you have your cause.
@Buff Egan: spoken like a true hero
What the Fock would you know
@Buff Egan: a statistical analysis of those serious injuries among irish signings would be interesting. The type of phsysical contact allowed in Aussie Rules is certainly different. Does it produce more wear and tear in players over time?
Who is the most recent inter county footballer/hurler to rupture his Achilles?
@Pat Flavin: Michael Fennelly…did it myself as well if dat counts, can still remember the snapping sound
Given the choice again he may have chosen Croke Park with the club tomorrow!!!