Padraic Fahy, Galway's brilliant forward, will be out of hurling for at least three months. This means that he will miss Sunday's vital National League clash against Westmeath in Mullingar. Twenty-three yean old Fahy tore back ligaments and has been ordered to rest by his doctor. He played his last game on Sunday when he lined out for his club Carnmore in the Co. Final. Afterwards came the announcement that his back had been troubling him for some time and that he was retiring at this stage in the hope that the injury would heal within a few months. His loss will be a severe blow to Galway coming as it does when the side is trying to get back into the top Division of the National League at the very first attempt. Fahy's worth can be gauged from the fact that he was one of five nominated for the right half forward spot on the recently announced Carrolls G.A.A. All-Stars team.
Not unexpectedly though the position went to Francis Loughnane for his part in helping Tipperary win the All-Ireland this year. Others for the position were Eddie Keher, Ritchie Bennis and Eamon Cregan. Fahy's rise to fame, culminating in this latest honor, has been fast and spectacular. Still only twenty-three he has played in two All-Ireland semi-finals and also in Railway Cup sides. His departure from the scene at this stage will be that much more painful due to the fact that the county selectors have to deal with other injured players. Definitely out, besides Fahy for Sunday are John Coen, broken finger, Paddy Ryan, fractured thumb, and P. J. Molloy; The latter plays for his club in the county under-21 final.
HOME
This meant that the team mentors were forced to do a lot of home work before announcing their Sunday team last night. Into the side now comes Jimmy Rabbitte and Paddy Murphy. Rabbitte, a one time regular in the side, has been out of the side for well over six months-he last played in a tournament game in Loughrea-but gets his chance because of his recent form. Two weeks ago in the County semi-finals at Athenry he turned in a top-class display which was so good that it convinced the selectors that they would have to give him another go in the team. Their opportunity came when Fahy and co. dropped out. On Sunday he will take his place at right corner forward and will team up with P. J. Quarter, and Des Coen in the left corner spot. In the half forwards Seamus Murphy and Bernie O'Connor will team up with Paddy Murphy, the Mellowes centerfielder. He gets his place because of Paddy Ryan's injury. At midfield John Connolly and Sean Murphy will team up and in the half backs Padraic Niland, Ted Murphy and Tony Brehony, the captain of the side, will be together.
Team
The team is: Sean Kelly, Peter Warde, John Faul, John Walsh, Padraic Niland, Ted Murphy, Tony Brehony, John Connolly, Sean Murphy, Seamus Murphy, Bernie O'Connor, Paddy Murphy, Jimmy Rabbitte, P. J. Qualter, Des Coen, Subs: Colm Muldoon and Andy Fenton. Note: Westmeath have yet to win a game in this year's current league so on Sunday they will be looking for a change of fortune. The game starts at 2:30.