Galway name side for expected win
Galway will boast six newcomers for tomorrow night's qualifier clash with Laois in Portlaoise (throw-in 7.00pm).
The Tribesmen, who finished fourth in the second phase of the recent NHL Division 1 campaign, have put faith in 2004 minor Ger Mahon at right-half back, Derek Hardiman at centre half back, Colin Coen will fill the left-corner back berth while Kevin Hayes lines out at full-forward.
The other debutants are full-back Shane Kavanagh, midfielder David Collins and heavy-scoring corner forward Ger Farragher - star attackers Eugene Cloonan and Kevin Broderick miss out due to injury.
Galway's opponents Laois, who were on the end of an 11-point beating at the hands of Wexford last time out, have made four changes to their side.
Dual star Darren Rooney, who is tied-up for inter-county football duty on Sunday, is replaced at centre half back by Pat Mahon.
Centre half back Darren Rooney, who is playing with the footballers on Sunday, makes way for Pat Mahon.
James Walsh switches to midfield while Eamonn Meagher drops down to the replacements bench. Canice Coonan starts ahead of Joe Phelan at right-half forward with John Rowney in the middle of the half-forward line.
The last time Galway visited O'Moore Park, it was a little too close for comfort as they ran out four-point winners - 2-17 to 2-13 - in an uninspiring league win in March.
GALWAY (SHC v Laois): Liam O’Donoghue; Damien Joyce, Shane Kavanagh, Colin Coen; Ger Mahon, Derek Hardiman, Ollie Canning; David Collins, Tony Og Regan; Richie Murray, David Forde, David Tierney; Damien Hayes, Kevin Hayes, Ger Farragher.
LAOIS: Pat Mullaney; Brian Campion, Packie Cuddy, Michael McEvoy; Joe Fitzpatrick, Pat Mahon, Seamus Dwyer; James Young, James Walsh; Canice Cloonan John Rowney, Cahir Healy; Tommy Fitzgerald, Liam Tynan, Damien Culleton.
