Galway manager Padraic Joyce said he was “sickened” by the injury star forward Damien Comer suffered during yesterday’s All-Ireland SFC group stage victory over Derry.

Derry defender Gareth McKinless received a straight red card in the 20th minute for his challenge on Comer, who hobbled off early in the second-half, as Tribesmen went on to defeat the 14-man Oak Leafers by 2-14 to 0-15 in Salthill.

Should match referee Brendan Cawley cite the incident as a stamp, McKinless will be looking at a two-game suspension at the minimum. 

Speaking to RTE Sport after the game, Joyce said that the Annaghdown clubman’s injury “doesn't look good”.

"It's very hard to comprehend that a man would deliberately go out and try to hurt a fella," he sighed.

"I'm just sickened that that has happened to Damien. But look, nothing we can do about it.

Big moment in Pearse Stadium as Gareth McKinless gets sent off.@AIB_GAA #TheToughest pic.twitter.com/z5RwRh9XHB

— GAAGO (@GAAGO) May 18, 2024

"Punishment will come for that, no doubt. We have to count the cost of Damien's injury and see where we go from that."

On other injury concerns within his squad, Joyce was optimistic by adding: "Rob (Finnerty) got a knock on the knee. Sean's just tight, but I think he's okay. John Maher wasn't feeling well but we got enough out of him today. We're not in bad shape to be honest but Damien is the big concern.

"A man steps on his ankle. It's very hard to... He (Comer) thought it was okay but came off at the end. It doesn't look good but we'll see."

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