Galway hurling boss John McIntyre is expected to receive a triple injury boost in March when Ciaran O'Donovan, Adrian Cullinane and Iarla Tannian return from long-term injuries. Promising full back O'Donovan and wing back-cum-midfielder Cullinane both suffered cruciate ligament injuries last year, while highly-rated forward Tannian missed most of last season with a medial ligament problem. Confirming that the trio are making good progress and should see action in the National League, Galway selector Joe Connolly told the Irish Examiner: "We would expect the likes of Ciaran O'Donovan, Adrian Cullinane and Iarla Tannian to all be back in action by the end of March, while Niall Healy should be back from his knee cartilage injury in time for the league, hopefully by mid-February." The Tribesmen make their seasonal debut on Sunday when they face Laois in a Walsh Cup quarter-final at Rathdowney, and Connolly says the players are itching to pull on the maroon jersey for the first time since last summer's heartbreaking All-Ireland quarter-final loss to Waterford. "It has been a long six months since the Waterford match and I suppose there is a bit of unfinished business ahead of us this year. Sunday is the first time we get the chance to start that work. Between Portumna, NUIG, UL and injuries, we are down to about 20 squad members," he added. Tweet

Most Read Stories