Skehill to miss Galway's championship opener

Galway manager John McIntyre is sweating on the result of a scan tomorrow to see if James Skehill will play a part in Championship action this summer after the Cappataggle goalkeeper broke his finger in four places at the weekend.

Skehill sustained the injury while taking part in a trial game among the Galway panel last Saturday in Ballinasloe.

The 21 year-old had just recently returned from a shoulder injury which he picked up in a challenge match with Limerick IT last January.

McIntyre concedes that it is a major blow with injuries to some key players already this season.

"James probably faces a good few weeks on the sidelines. That’s a blow to us. We have already lost Iarla Tannion, Mark Kerins and one of the most promising fellas we have brought in, Kieran O’Donovan, who was injured the Railway Cup final over in Abu Dhabi, but I am not making a big deal about it."

He added: "Every county has their injuries and difficulties, but it does make the job a little bit harder."

Ruled out for Galway's Leinster clash against Laois on May 31, McIntyre is hopeful that Skehill will play some part this summer.

"We're going to wait before the injury is fully diagnosed before making any decision about him. We'd be hoping that he might be back within four weeks. But until we get a final update on what needs to be done with the injury we won't know for sure."

The blow comes as a major shock to Skehill who is currently sitting exams at Limerick IT, with Colm Callanan deputising for the former Minor and Under 21 All-Ireland winner during the league.

While delighted that Colm has gained invaluable experience during the league, McIntyre is disappointed for Cappataggle custodian Skehill.

"It won't do any harm obviously, Colm is an experienced keeper."

He added: "I'm very sorry for him (Skehill) - he's also in the middle of exams which is an extra complication. He has a good attitude and obviously it's a huge personal blow for himself."