Joyce returns for Galway League clash

PADRAIC JOYCE will make his first appearance of the year for Galway when they take on Sligo in the National League on Sunday.

Joyce had been given a winter break to help him recover from a hectic season which culminated in him captaining Ireland in the International Rules victory over Australia.

But following the 1-11 to 0-4 hammering by Armagh two weeks ago, Joyce returned to the squad last week.

He is poised to line out next Sunday at Tuam Stadium as Galway bid to bounce back from the drubbing and build on their opening day win over Kildare.

Joyce’s return will add power to an attack which scored 2-11 against Kildare, but could only manage 0-4 against Armagh.

And with full-forward Noel Meehan doubtful after getting injured in training on Sunday, the return of Joyce could not be more timely.

Manager Peter Ford is delighted Joyce is back in the frame as they bid to recover from the 10-point reversal against Joe Kernan’s men.

“You are probably going to have one disaster in a league of seven games, and hopefully we can get the Armagh game out of our system.

“We played well but we fell apart when one or two things went against us.

“But they are the sort of things you want to get sorted out in the league,” said Ford.

Ford has no inhibitions about playing Sligo, a side he managed for three years, guiding them to big Croke Park dates against Tyrone, Kildare, Dublin and Armagh.

“I would probably know them better than most other teams but other than that, it will be no different to any other game.

“They have lost their first two so will be going all out to win to get away from relegation trouble.

“In our case, we need to bounce back from that Armagh game, so it should be a good contest in that regard,” said Ford.