Galway hurlers’ rising star to go under the knife

Galway hurlers have been rocked by the revelation that rising star Richie Cummins will not be fit to feature in the National League campaign.

The 19-year-old ace is to undergo surgery on an ankle injury and will face an uphill battle to regain fitness in time for the championship.

Cummins captained the Galway to the All-Ireland minor title in 2009 and is seen as one of the most promising players in the county.

"We've been persecuted by injury but at least we have time to make contingency plans," said manager John McIntyre.

It is the second blow in a week for Galway, with captain Shane Kavanagh undergoing ankle surgery which will keep him out of action until next summer.