Sammon makes leap of faith

There will be five championship newcomers in the Galway line-up when Liam Sammon's side embark on their Connacht campaign against Roscommon on Sunday.

The five - Paul Conroy, Paul Doherty, Gareth Bradshaw, Mark Lydon and Damien Dunleavy - were involved during the league and will seek to provide a fresh impetus as the Tribesmen seek to improve on last year's disappointing campaign.

But while there is a new look to this Galway side, an old head will assume the leadership duties with captain Padraic Joyce starting in the half-forward line.

Roscommon boss Michael Ryan, appointed a matter of weeks ago following John Maughan's acrimonious departure, has also revealed his hand for the Pearse Stadium clash.

Having lurched uneasily through the league, recording just one win against an equally poor Cavan in the process, Ryan will take his side to Salthill more in hope than expectation.

The good news for Ryan is that Ger Heneghan and David Hoey have overcome their shoulder injuries but David O'Gara's rib problem has kept him on the sidelines.

As with Galway, there are a number of senior championship debuts with Mark O'Carroll, Senan Kilbride and Conor Devanney all set to make their first starts at this level.

Galway : P Doherty; K Fitzgerald, F Hanley, G Bradshaw; D Meehan, N Coyne, G Sice; B Cullinane, M Lydon; D Dunleavy, P Joyce, P Conroy; M Clancy, M Meehan, F Breathnach.

Roscommon : G Claffey; P O'Connor, A McDermott, S McDermott; J Rogers, M O'Carroll, D Hoey; S O Neill, K Mannion; C Devaney, G Cox, C Cregg; S Kilbride, J Dunning, G Heneghan.

© 2008 The Irish Times