Galway blow as Meehan out for championship
The 29-year-old attacker underwent an operation in November to sort out a problem to his ankle which has dogged Meehan for the past few seasons. Galway manager Alan Mulholland said that recovery took longer than expected but there were hopes at the start of the league that Meehan would make it back for the concluding stages of the competition.
However, that has not materialised and Meehan has now decided to opt out and while Meehan has not ruled out a return after a lengthy period of rest, it is deemed extremely unlikely he will return for the championship.
Meehan, who was joined on the Galway team by brothers Declan, Tomas and Noel and who inspired Caltra to win the All-Ireland club title the only year they won the Galway championship, won three Connacht senior titles. He also won two All-Ireland U-21 titles.
Mulholland said that Meehan had been a star player for Galway for over a decade.
“We can understand his frustration and fully support his decision to give his injury a complete rest. Hopefully, he will make a full recovery,” said Mulholland.
Meanwhile, JJ Delaney makes his first Allianz Hurling League Division 1A start of the year for Kilkenny tomorrow as they face Waterford at Nowlan Park (2pm). Delaney, who is named at full-back, is one of seven changes in the side. Jackie Tyrrell comes in at centre-back while Henry Shefflin and Mark Kelly are included in attack.
KILKENNY (NHL v Waterford): E Murphy (Glenmore); P Murphy (Danesfort), JJ Delaney (Fenians), J Holden (Ballyhale Shamrocks); B Kennedy (St Lachtain’s), J Tyrrell (James Stephens), C Buckley (Dicksboro); P Walsh (Tullaroan), R Hogan (Danesfort); W Walsh (Tullogher-Rosbercon), C Fennelly (Ballyhale Shamrocks), H Shefflin (Ballyhale Shamrocks); J Farrell (Thomastown), M Kelly (O’Loughlin Gaels), E Larkin (James Stephens).
Subs: D Herity (Dunnamaggin), T Keogh (Young Irelands), C Fogarty (Erin’s Own), T Walsh (Tullaroan), B Hogan (O’Loughlin Gaels), K Joyce (Rower-Inistioge), L Ryan (Clara), R Power (Carrickshock), TJ Reid (Ballyhale Shamrocks), A Fogarty (Emeralds).
LIMERICK (NHL v Laois): N Quaid (Effin); S Walsh (Glenroe), P O’Loughlin (Kilmallock), T Condon (Knockaderry); P O’Brien (Kimallock), W McNamara (Adare), D Morrissey (Ahane); C King (Na Piarsaigh), P Browne (Bruff); C Allis (Croom), J Ryan (Garryspillane), D Reidy (Dromin/Athlacca); G Mulcahy (Kilmallock), K Downes (Na Piarsaigh), M Ryan (Doon).
OFFALY (NHL v Antrim): Conor Slevin (Kilcormac/Killoughey); D Mooney (Seir Kieran), S Gardner (Lusmagh), J Rigney (Kinnitty); B Harding (Birr), C Egan (Belmont), M Egan (Belmont); D Morkan (Shinrone), K Brady (Coolderry); C Doughan (Shinrone), S Dooley (Tullamore), Ciarán Slevin (Kilcormac/Killoughey); C Coughlan (Kinnitty), S Cleary (Shinrone), S Quirke (St Rynagh’s).
