Meehan to captain Galway in Championship

Galway football manager Joe Kernan has selected Michael Meehan as the county's captain for the Championship campaign, however the Caltra clubman will be absentee when the Tribesmen take on New York on Sunday.

Kernan's side kickstart the Connacht Championship with a preliminary round trip to the Big Apple's Gaelic Park (throw-in 9pm). The Seamus Sweeney-managed Exiles provide the opposition.

However, new captain Meehan is not yet match fit after injuring his knee in a National League game against Kerry. That means that vice-captain Joe Bergin will lead Galway into battle against New York.

Kernan said: "Michael is about four weeks away from full fitness, but hopefully this (being awarded the captaincy) will bring him on a bit too.

"He was in great form after hearing the news and deserves it. Joe Bergin is our vice-captain and he will captain the team in New York."

The selected Galway team includes two Championship debutants in goalkeeper Eoin O Conghaile and right corner forward Eoin Concannon, who has Padraic and Nicky Joyce for company in the full-forward line.

Padraic Joyce is not expected to play the full match on Sunday, as he is working his way back from an Achilles operation.

The three-time All-Star played in a recent club match and also featured for 30 minutes in a challenge match against Cavan.

Exam commitments have ruled Sean Armstrong, Paul Conroy, David Reilly, Garreth Bradshaw and Conor Healy out of this weekend's Stateside clash.

GALWAY (SFC v New York): E O Conghaile; K Fitzgerald, F Hanley, A Burke; D Meehan, G O'Donnell, D Burke; B Cullinane, N Coleman; G Sice, F Breathnach, J Bergin (capt); E Concannon, P Joyce, N Joyce.