Injuries hit Shannon ahead of table-topping clash with Garryowen

SHANNON have a long injury list ahead of the AIB League division one top-of-the-table clash with Garryowen at Thomond Park tomorrow.

Coach Mick Galwey has had to delay naming his team in the wake of a lengthening injury list and could find himself without a recognised out-half for the game.

Andrew Thompson took limited part in training on Thursday and David Delaney is already ruled out.

Galwey’s options in the pack are more limited. Frankie Roche starts for Munster and is therefore unavailable, while Tony Buckley is out after a knee injury forced him to retire early against Lansdowne last time out.

Gary McNamara, who started all of the club’s AIL games last season will come into the front row, while there has been no decision on the other prop. It is likely to be between Les Hogan and Trevor Downes.

In the second row, Stephen Keogh is on the Munster bench, as is James Blaney, so it’s a case of Galwey having to wait and see if. The good news is captain Tom Hayes played his first game in weeks against Lansdowne and will play in the second row.

Eddie Halvey is considered a very doubtful contender. He missed last week’s game with a back injury, but did have a light run out on Thursday, probably not enough to allow him return this week. David Quinlan, Colm McMahon and John O’Connor are the most likely back row options.

Garryowen will be without David Wallace and Mike Prendergast from the team that beat Galwegians 33-11 last time out. Both will be on duty with Munster at Ravenhill today. Otherwise the team is expected to be along the usual lines.

John O’Mahony and Mick Manning both face fitness tests for Dolphin after missing last week’s victory over Highfield. James Storey, who scored a crucial try in that win is unavailable as he is on duty with Munster.

The core of the UL Bohs team which beat Old Crescent in the final seconds of last Saturday’s AIL contest will probably take the field again in the home game against DLSP.

Doubts exist about Barry Murphy, Keith Matthews and Ryan Hartigan who are still injured but Mark McPhail and Mike Storey should be available. Further good news for coach Mike Tewkesbury is the return to duty of Coleman Finn who hopes to make an appearance at some stage.