Loughlane names side for Antrim clash
Galway manager Ger Loughnane has shown his hand for Sunday's NHL Division 1B encounter against Antrim at Pearse Stadium (throw-in 2.30pm).
Craughwell youngster Aidan Ryan, Liam Donoghue's deputy last summer, will start in goal in Salthill, getting an early chance to impress the new boss.
Kinvara's Shane Kavanagh slots in at full-back, alongside Fergal Moore who will be making his first league appearance since 2005.
David Forde of Clarenbridge, a regular last season at centre forward, has been given a defensive role at right half-back, while former Galway minor captain John Lee will line out at centre-back.
Portumna's Eoin Lynch partners David Tierney in midfield, with Fergal Healy named in the half-forwards.
Clarenbridge clubman Mark Kerins, who was part of the Galway Development squad that won last month's Connacht Hurling League, will lead the Tribesmen's forwards, behind Eugene Cloonan.
Twelve months ago, Cloonan ended his long-term absence from the Galway side - he missed the 2005 campaign - by playing against Antrim in the league.
GALWAY (NHL v Antrim) - A Ryan; D Joyce, S Kavanagh, F Moore; D Forde, J Lee, D Collins (capt); E Lynch, D Tierney; R Murray, M Kerins, F Healy; Damien Hayes, E Cloonan, K Broderick.
