New Mann takes over for Galway
PÁDRAIC MANNION has been appointed as the new captain of the Galway hurlers for 2020.
Shane O’neill is hoping to get his reign in charge off to a flying start with silverware against Wexford in the Walsh Cup final today.
But he could be without Johnny Glynn and Joseph Cooney for the year, with the two All-ireland winners now living abroad.
Glynn has commuted from New York in recent seasons while Cooney, who spent several months in Australia last year, returned there after Galway were knocked out of the Championship last summer.
There are no plans for either to return at this stage,.
“I spoke with Johnny a few times and he is still in the US. I have spoken to Joseph and he’s in
Australia and that’s all I know for the moment,” said O’neill.
Mannion will take over the captaincy from David Burke, who skippered the Tribesmen to glory in his second year as captain in 2017.
Burke and the other St Thomas’ players who were defeated by Borris-ileigh in the All-ireland club semifinal a fortnight ago have returned to the Galway panel and will be integrated into the side in the next few weeks.
O’neill said: “They have a bit of different type work to do for the next few weeks and then they will join us fully.”
Mannion has been a key figure for Galway over the past few seasons along with his brother Cathal.
He made his debut in 2015, reaching the All-ireland final that season where they were defeated by Kilkenny but he was a central figure two years later when they captured the Liam Maccarthy Cup.
He picked up an All-star for that campaign then did the same again in 2018, and he stepped in as captain on a number of occasions when Burke wasn’t available.