Galway boost for Broderick back in action

GALWAY have been boosted by the return to competitive hurling of injury stricken forward Kevin Broderick ahead of tomorrow week’s All-Ireland semi-final against Kilkenny.

The former Allstar pulled through a keenly contested tie against the county’s U-21 hurlers on Thursday night at Pearse Stadium.

However, the Kilkenny tie may have come too soon for the classy forward to land a starting place after undergoing groin surgery less than three months ago.

Interestingly, another former Allstar, Liam Hodgins, played centre-back for the majority of the challenge tie, won by Conor Hayes’ Galway seniors.

Hodgins wouldn’t be expected to start against Kilkenny either but his continued improvement after the combined effects of knee and hamstring setbacks gives the Tribesmen further options in defence.

As expected, the Cloonan brothers, Eugene and Diarmuid, continue to miss out on county hurling with both sides remaining tight lipped.