Galway team captain Damien Comer, who has been in tremendous form over the past few months, hopes to have learned lessons from last year's final defeat to Roscommon.
The Annaghdown man had led from the front this season, from his first goal which he rattled into the Tyrone net a few minutes into the first round league game in Tuam Stadium in January. That goal and subsequent win were pivotal in getting Galway’s season off to a positive start.
Comer has been in blistering form since then, helping the team win promotion to division one for 2019, and now, on the back of two championship wins over Mayo and Sligo, it is no surprise therefore to hear the mood is good in Kevin Walsh’s squad ahead of Sunday's eagerly anticipated clash with Roscommon in Hyde Park in the Connacht final.
There is a great buzz in the camp, Comer says.
"Every one gets on with each other. It is exciting times for Galway football. You hear the public talking about it, everyone is gaining an interest in it.
"When you look back a couple of years ago when playing league games, there were only around 400 people at them. It’s changed dramatically. It’s a great place to be, and everyone’s enjoying it at the moment.
“This is our third successive provincial final and hopefully we can right the wrongs from last year. We know it’s going to be a tough battle and everyone is looking forward to the game.”
Comer says Roscommon have proved tough in the last few years.
"I think we’re probably a bit different to where we were last year. Of course there’s a lot of that Roscommon group who are still there and obviously you’ll have a look to see if you can take anything from last year’s defeat.
"We’ve had a good few battles with Roscommon over the past while and they’ve been some fairly exciting encounters as well, so it’s one we’ll look forward to. You have to give credit to Roscommon for how well they have been going – getting back to division one in the league for next year. I thought Roscommon were very good on the day last year and they fully deserved their win.”
Comer says consistency is key.
“There is a game to be played this weekend and we have to try to go out and produce a consistent performance. If we can get a big performance on the day, it might be good enough to get us over the line, but if Roscommon are as good as they were last year, then it’s going to be a serious battle.”
