Galway hurling star David Burke has been ruled out for the rest of the season after injuring his anterior cruciate ligament.
The 2017 All-Ireland winning captain suffered the injury in a training session ahead of Galway's 4-27 to 1-12 win over Westmeath.
After the game, Tribesman boss Henry Shefflin confirmed the news.
“David Burke’s cruciate injury is devastating news for us and for him,” said Shefflin.
The injury is another blow for Galway in what has been a difficult season so far. Despite running up a score on Westmeath, results elsewhere meant Galway failed to progress to the league semi-finals.
Three wins from just five games left Shefflin bemoaning earlier defeats to Limerick and Cork.
“We saw a lot of players throughout the league, but the two losses were costly.
“Like the league overall, today we had patches that were very good and patches that were not so good. The goal before half-time was probably a big turning point."
With the Championship opener against Westmeath just a few weeks away, Shefflin is keen to park this disappointment and get back to work.
“This time seven weeks from now is the important game against Westmeath.”
READ MORE:
Josh Van der Flier praises 'Hero' Johnny Sexton after Grand Slam win
Try hero Dan Sheehan lost for words after historic home Grand Slam success
Johnny Sexton says more to come from Ireland after fairytale Grand Slam triumph
Player ratings as Ireland make history and secure home grand slam triumph
Get the latest sports headlines straight to your inbox by signing up for free email alert