Galway face near neighbours Roscommon in the much-anticpated Connacht football final on Sunday in Pearse Stadium (1.45pm ).
Despite Roscommon having Galway’s measure in their most recent encounters, such as the division two league final in Croke Park at the beginning of April, Galway are still favourites with the bookmakers. Roscommon's odds are 2/1, which is incredible considering the number they did on Galway in Croke Park, and they were full value for it.
Since that game, Galway have recorded a championship win over Mayo in Castlebar and a semi-final victory over Leitrim in Salthill. What was pleasing about the Leitrim victory was the manner in which Galway went about their business. They could have sauntered through the game and won by seven or eight points. Instead however, they were ruthless and put Leitrim to the sword, winning by 23 points, indicating there will be no lethargy in the camp ahead of the Roscommon game.
The Rossies, meanwhile, have only played Sligo in championship football this year and won that game at a canter in Markevicz Park by 0-23 to 0-11. Roscommon will not have learned much from that game as Sligo also had a man sent off early. They might be a bit undercooked, while it should be advantage for Galway having played a competitive championship game.
There is no doubt, however, that Anthony Cunningham will have his charges primed and ready. He will not be satisfied with just the league final victory, and he will have more silverware on his mind.
Last year’s Connacht semi-final loss to Galway in Hyde Park will also be in the back of his head. On that day, Galway comprehensively beat the Rossies, which seemed to be an unhappy camp. Fast forward 12 months and the mood seems a lot better, Cunningham will be hoping his players can capitalise on this opportunity.
Galway, however, will feel the pressure is on them to produce a performance given the manner of defeat in Croke Park seven weeks ago. Padraic Joyce and co will have learned much from the defeat in terms of tactics and match-ups with the Roscommon players.
One Roscommon player in particular who Galway need to deal with is Enda Smith. They could not contain him in the league final and he needs to be tagged. Conor Cox was kept quiet from play by Liam Silke that day, so it is likely we will see the same duel again on Sunday.
In terms of tactical approach, it will be intriguing to see if the double sweeper system deployed against Mayo will be used again. Wing backs Kieran Molloy and Dylan McHugh dropped back in front of the defence in Castlebar to great effect and may be utilised in those positions again to cut off the supply to the Roscommon forwards.
Padraic Joyce has a few selection headaches. Patrick Kelly has been impressive in two consecutive appearances off the bench for Galway. Whether he is kept in reserve as an impact player or plays from the start, remains to be seen. Cillian McDaid had a strong performance at midfield against Leitrim and his legs could be key in that position against Roscommon. Whether he can compete aerially in that position or not may see him redeployed elsewhere.
What is certain, this game - the fifth final between these two protagonists in seven years - is expected to go to the wire, but hopefully on Sunday evening the Nestor Cup will be staying in Galway.
The game will also be shown live on RTÉ 2.
Minor semi-final
The Galway minors Connacht semi-final takes place on Friday evening (7pm ) in Tuam Stadium where they face Sligo. Galway have dominated these meetings, winning 13 of the last 14, with one draw, and are expected to continue their fine record.
