Joyce will target summer campaign

Padraic Joyce is unlikely to play any part in Galway's Allianz NFL campaign due to an achilles tendon problem.

The Killereron clubman targeted a return for mid-March but the medical advice is that he needs more recovery time. He is working on a rehabilitation programme following an operation on the tendon last September.

The injury had restricted him for most of the previous year, prompting him to have an operation, and while he is expected to make a full recovery, it is taking longer than expected.

Galway manager Joe Kernan will no doubt be disappointed that Joyce will be not be available for the League, but his hopeful that the player will be available for the Championship - a campaign that's gets underway for the Tribesmen on 2 May when they travel to New York.

Speaking to the Irish Independent, Kernan said: 'A player of his class and experience is a great asset in any squad. Hopefully, he'll be back to full power and fitness for the championship. That's the target now.'