Moore: All systems go after injury nightmare

GALWAY defender Fergal Moore returned to training after a seven-month lay-off last week — but knows he is just one ankle injury away from having to call time on his inter-county career.

The Turloughmore man is willing to run the risk with his ankle after damaging it in last year’s NHL Division One game against Dublin.

Moore was in fine form before the injury, having finally overcome a series of hamstring injuries.

And as Galway begin their preparations to defend their National League Division One title, he is desperate to get back to where he was. “It’s not too bad at the moment, thank God,” said Moore. “I’m taking a full part in training and it’s so far, so good.

“It’s touch-and-go, though. My surgeon Stephen Kerins did a great job and told me to get back into it. If it goes again then there’s really only one option and I’ll have to knock it on the head but I’m not thinking that way.”

A physiotherapist by trade, Moore’s hamstring problems stemmed from his right leg being shorter than his left, which caused a pelvic imbalance.

The 28-year-old has spent the guts of seven months on the sidelines with the injury and is understandably ecstatic about being back in the set-up.

“The recovery has been hellish but things were put in perspective for me with my brother getting sick last year (former Galway star Cathal had to have emergency surgery).

“Getting back just means so much. I missed the banter and the craic among the lads. That’s what is most pleasing about the whole thing.

“I’d be the first in the dressing room for training. I don’t think I’ve ever been as enthusiastic about training in January in my life!

“It’s just so important to get going again and improve on where I was before I had the injury.

“There’s having confidence in the ankle again and then there’s trying to get the confidence back in my game. It’s all systems go from now on.”

Moore watched on agonisingly as Galway were edged out at the death by would-be All-Ireland champions Tipperary in last July’s All-Ireland quarter-final.

Even if they finished the season as league champions, the Turloughmore man knows the Tribesmen have more work to do to reach Tipperary and Kilkenny’s level.

“Losing by one point to the champions doesn’t sound too bad but the standard of hurling was stepped up again in the final against Kilkenny. But the mood is good in the panel and management have really freshened things up by bringing in some new faces.”