Galway must start campaign without Mannion

GALWAY manager John O’Mahony is resigned to losing the services of defender Tomas Mannion for the start of the 2003 championship campaign.

With less than four weeks to go before the All-Ireland champions of 1998 and 2001 begin the defence of their Connacht title against Roscommon, the Monivea-Abbeyknockmoy clubman has not returned to training although he is still playing in the County League and showing encouraging levels of fitness.

Galway's defensive options have been further reduced by a hamstring injury to Milltown's Diarmaid Blake which will keep him out of action for five weeks. It now looks as if the number 6 jersey for the May 18 Connacht Championship clash at Pearse Stadium, Salthill is up for grabs.