Joyce back in the ranks

After two disheartening National League defeats, Galway football manager Peter Ford has received a timely boost with the return to training of Padraic Joyce.

The two-time All-Ireland winning forward, who scooped All-Stars in 1998, 2000 and 2001, is stepping up his bid to regain fitness after a long spell out with an Achilles tendon injury.

The 29-year-old has not played for Galway since their shock All-Ireland qualifier exit to Westmeath last July.

His presence has been sorely missed in recent weeks, during which the Tribesmen lost to Derry and Laois in their league openers.

Ford's charges currently sit bottom of the table in Division 1B, with the threat of Division 3 football next year already hanging over them.

It is unclear exactly when Joyce will be able to make his first competitive appearance for Galway this season, although Ford may decide to give him a short run-out in Sunday's Connacht FBD League final against Sligo IT.