Preview: Connacht SFC: New York v Galway

May 02, 2015

A large crowd is expected in Gaelic Park New York for the opening round of the Connacht SFC.

"Look, I'm not going to make any great predictions, but I would say we're quietly confident going into Sunday that we can turn the tide and win a Connacht championship match in New York for the first time."

That's fighting talk from Big Apple manager Ian Galvin ahead of tomorrow's Connacht SFC clash against visitors Galway in Gaelic Park.

The Kerry native has included seven survivors from last year's 22-point defeat to Mayo.

Gavin Joyce, Ronan McGinley, Gerard McCartan, Keith Quinn, Keith Scally, Ross Wherity and Gary O'Driscoll retain their places while their attack has been boosted by the recruitment of Niall McFeely (Derry), JJ Matthews (Longford) and PJ Banville (Wexford).

In total, 12 counties are represented in the starting 15 which will be captained by centre-back Scally.

Kevin Walsh, meanwhile, welcomes back Johnny Duane (right corner-back) and Danny Cummins (left corner-forward) from ankle and hamstring injuries respectively while midfielder Tom Flynn is named on the bench following surgery on his knee.

New York gave the Tribesmen a championship scare five years ago so manager Walsh is approaching the fixture with caution.

"Absolutely, you'd be cautious. I'm not so sure they aren't going as well as they were back in 2010. They probably have more ability at the minute."

Verdict - Galway.

New York team: Gavin Joyce (Down); Ronan McGinley (Tyrone), Gerard McCartan (Down), Keith Quinn (Down); Brian Gibbons (Mayo), Keith Scally (Westmeath), Colm Maginn (Down); Andrew Hope (Dublin), Brian Connor (Offaly); Ross Wherity (Donegal), Niall McFeely (Derry), Darren Freeman (Monaghan); JJ Matthews (Longford), PJ Banville (Wexford), Gary O'Driscoll (Kerry).

Galway team: Brian O'Donoghue; Johnny Duane, Finian Hanley, Cathal Sweeney; Liam Silke, Gary O'Donnell, Sean Denvir; Fiontán Ó Curraoin, Paul Conroy; Gary Sice, Shane Walsh, Michael Lundy; Peadar Ó Gríofa, Patrick Sweeney, Danny Cummins.

Match details: Sunday, Gaelic Park, New York, 3pm (8pm Irish time).

Referee: Ciaran Branagan.

Odds: New York 20/1, Draw 50/1, Galway 1/100.


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