Fallon hit by injury jinx again

Galway forward Jarlath Fallon has been ruled out of the team's All-Ireland quarter-final against Roscommon on Sunday week

Galway forward Jarlath Fallon has been ruled out of the team's All-Ireland quarter-final against Roscommon on Sunday week. The Tuam man aggravated his hamstring early in the second half of his side's tense victory over Cork at the weekend.

The latest injury is certain to dismay Galway fans, who had seen Fallon begin to show his old form after coming back from the cruciate ligament injury that sidelined him for last year's championship. The 1998 Footballer of the Year worked intensively to hasten his recovery from that blow, which occurred in a club game just weeks before the All-Ireland campaign.

"It is very unfortunate for Ja and obviously for the team as he was playing well again," offered Galway PRO John Power yesterday.

Fallon appeared at training this week but took no part. Hamstring strains generally require a month's rehabilitation, which would leave Fallon as a possible contender for the All-Ireland semi-final series should Galway avenge the defeat that Roscommon inflicted on them in the Connacht semi-final.

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However, midfielder Kevin Walsh, who was also forced off in the Cork match, took a full part in training. The Kilanin man suffered a cut above his eye and had to be withdrawn under the new blood rule.

Meanwhile, Meath's Darren Fay is set to become the latest player to marry on the eve of a championship match. The Trim defender is to take part in the ceremony on Saturday, August 4th, a day before his side meet neighbours Westmeath in Croke Park.

Galway's Seβn ╙ D≤mhnaill underwent the same experience prior to the county's qualifying match against Cork and although he came on as a substitute in that game, it did not work out well for him. Meath sources indicated Fay, who has been superb for the county to date, will most likely start for Meath regardless of the previous day's events.

Sligo defender Neil Carew was due to go before the Games Administration Committee in Croke Park last night on disciplinary charges. He was dismissed in the eighth minute of the team's famous win against Kildare almost three weeks ago. His case was due to have been heard before but was postponed upon request.

GAC chairman Pβdraig Duffy confirmed that none of the participants in the controversial Munster football final were asked to make an appearance last night. It is understood referee Brendan Gorman's report did not detail the more heated incidents in that match. It had been thought Cork manager Larry Tompkins might have had a case to answer and that Kerry could be called to the dock for a number of on-field indiscretions but it is unlikely further action will be taken.

Tickets for this weekend's Guinness All-Ireland hurling quarter-finals go on sale this morning at the ticket office in the new stand at Croke Park. The office will be open tomorrow and Saturday from 10.00 a.m. to 6.00 p.m. A number of tickets can also be purchased on match day opposite Quinn's public house on Drumcondra Road and from the Matt Talbot credit union on Fitzgibbon Street.

Keith Duggan

Keith Duggan

Keith Duggan is Washington Correspondent of The Irish Times