Galway manager Kevin Walsh pictured at Elverys MacHale Park on Sunday.
By Cian O'Connell
Galway manager Kevin Walsh is hopeful the Tribesmen can deliver in Division One of the Allianz Football League.
Some recent retirements and the unavailability of Corofin players for the early rounds restrict Galway's options, but Walsh remains optimistic.
"We would feel ourselves that we have developed a panel over the last three years that should be competitive up there without talking about survival," Walsh says about Galway's return to Division One.
"With the retirements and all the injuries that have happened it puts us in another sphere to see who is going to step up.
"Division One needs a strong panel as well as a strong 15. We'd be hoping that the injuries will soften for us, but it also gives us an opportunity for young people to step up."
Others such as Johnny Duane, Patrick Sweeney, and Adrian Varley have returned to the senior set-up with Walsh acknowledging that the remainder of the Connacht FBD League carries importance for these players.
Michael Daly is expected to miss the majority of the Allianz Football League with a knee injury.
"There is a good few lads back there trying to get back in there, a lot of them are young fellas.
"There is an opportunity there for young fellas and guys returning to stake their claim there. It is exciting times heading to Division One and these matches are very important to see who is able to step up.
Walsh also confirmed that Gary O'Donnell will miss the opening stages of the competition, while Fiontan O'Curraoin and Michael Daly are unlikely to see action until the summer.
"It is as it was," Walsh remarked. "Sean Armstrong is still undergoing his own programme, whether he will make League or not at this stage, it will be tight.
"Gary O'Donnell is mid League, Fintan O'Curraoin will miss the League, Michael Daly will probably miss the whole League aswell.
"It disappointing for us to get to Division One and missing that amount. Corofin are still involved, obviously Michael Meehan, Gary Sice, Finian Hanley have called it a day."
