Galway must start campaign without Mannion
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.
