Royal County blow as Geraghty ruled out of Galway clash

GRAHAM GERAGHTY will miss Meath’s All-Ireland qualifier clash with Galway, prompting long-term concerns about his ability to shake off a serious Achilles injury.

The 1999 All-Ireland winning captain sparked controversy by agreeing to return from a three-year retirement for the Leinster championship opener with Kildare.

But his mere 12 minutes of action in that game — which included a goal that was ruled out for a square ball infringement — will be his only contribution this season if Meath lose to Galway in Navan.

Geraghty attended scans at a Santry clinic yesterday evening because of severe discomfort since picking up the injury and was reportedly bracing himself for a potential six month lay-off.

Boss Seamus McEnaney stated last week that he believed the twice All-Star would be fit and available again for the Galway game but that’s now impossible.

Meath fans will be hoping that the player does get to pull on the county colours again after helping them to two All-Ireland titles in 1996 and 1999.

McEnaney still has plenty of forward options as Stephen Bray has overcome a hamstring injury and Brian Farrell is available again after suspension.

Bray kicked 2-2 when Meath last faced Galway in the 2007 All-Ireland qualifiers so will be keen to line out against the Tribesmen while defender Kevin Reilly could return also after a back problem.

However, the decision to draft in Cork referee Michael Collins to take charge of the game instead of Padraig Hughes could yet prove a bad omen for the Royal County.

Collins took charge of the 2001 All-Ireland final encounter between Meath and Galway which Meath lost heavily.

Experienced official Collins also took charge of Meath’s 2002 qualifier defeat to Donegal with Royals forward Ollie Murphy receiving a suspension for verbally abusing the referee at the conclusion of that game.

Hughes was withdrawn from this weekend’s game due to fears of potential bias claims. The Crossmaglen man hails from the same county as Meath coach Paul Grimley and national referees chief Michael Curley confirmed that the switch was made to avoid any bias claims that may arise.

Tyrone’s Martin Sludden and Cavan’s Joe McQuillan were both taken off Ulster championship games this summer over potential conflict of interest claims too, underlining the intense scrutiny that counties are now placing on the appointment of officials.