GALWAY have been boosted by the return of Peter Cooke ahead of this weekend’s Championship opener in New York.
Cooke has not featured for the Tribe since the 2023 All-Ireland SFC preliminary quarter-final loss to Mayo.
The player opted out last year due to work commitments in the USA.
But the Moycullen forward is understood to be back on board as last year’s Sam Maguire runners-up prepare to launch another bid to go one better.
Cooke also missed Galway’s run to the 2022 All-Ireland final, which they lost to Kerry, as his job with cyber-security firm TitanHQ involved time in Connecticut.
He rejoined the panel in 2023 and helped Galway retain their Connacht SFC title at the expense of Sligo, before stepping away again last year.
His return is a welcome development for boss Pádraic Joyce, whose side begin their quest for a first provincial four-in-a-row since 1966 in the Bronx on Sunday evening.
Meanwhile, Darren McHale enjoying new lease on life with Mayo after overcoming injury-plagued spell.
McHale fired a combined 3-6 against Sligo and Leitrim in Connacht that summer but ultimately sat out the All-Ireland final loss to Tyrone with a foot injury.
A broken hand, ankle and hamstring injuries have hampered him since but he is finally getting a clear run again ahead of their SFC opener against the Yeats men on Sunday.
His battles off the field make life in Green and Red all the sweeter as they look to put Sunday’s NFL Division 1 loss to Kerry behind them.
McHale said: “It is a privilege and honour to be in here. Obviously it is a commitment but it is an honour to be able to take that commitment on.
“It is such a positive environment to be in, the group is so aligned.
“There are not many things in life where you get that full alignment, everyone is going to max out their potential. There is massive power to that.
“I don’t know how many club players are in a county but everyone would love a shot at it. It’s something you do with a great amount of pride.”
