Rugby star Louise Galvin blocked from Kerry duty

Kerry have failed to have Irish international rugby star Louise Galvin freed for football duty with the Kingdom.

Galvin, back fully fit after breaking her leg earlier this year, has made a big impact with the 7s team in recent times but Kerry boss Alan O’Neill was hopeful of having her available for the summer.

O’Neill has revealed, however, representations to rugby chiefs have fallen on deaf ears, although Galvin will play a role behind the scenes when the Kingdom tackle Munster rivals Waterford in this evening’s TG4 All-Ireland senior qualifier.

O’Neill confirmed: “She can’t play. She’s not released by the rugby. They have a lot of down-time and it would suit our championship game but we asked and it’s a non-runner.”

Kerry have already beaten Waterford in the Munster championship, 1-14 to 1-7 winners on a day when Sarah Houlihan bagged 1-6.

And the result is expected to go along similar lines, especially considering that Waterford will be without the Ryan sisters – Louise, Michelle and team captain Sinéad – as the trio are bridesmaids for their cousin Dawn’s wedding today.

But the Déise still showed enough in their qualifier victory over Armagh to suggest that they can trouble Kerry. And O’Neill acknowledged: “It’s going to be a tough one. I think the scoreboard flattered us a bit.

They got in for goal chances that would have made the game a lot closer. Having watched them against Armagh, they’re very impressive. Armagh had a lot of wides but Waterford went about their business and got the job done.”

But O’Neill is pleased to report for the first time this year, he has a fully-fit squad as the Kingdom look to set up a quarter-final clash with Ulster champions Monaghan. In the first game of today’s double-bill in Birr, Ulster runners-up Cavan will be favourites to see off Laois.