Donegal travel to Corofin on Sunday afternoon for a 2pm throw-in to face Galway in the final round of league fixtures in the Lidl Ladies National Football League. With both teams already confirmed for the semi-finals, along with All-Ireland champions Dublin and Cork, this game is effectively a dead rubber, but should decide who finishes in top spot.
Both teams will be looking to finish on a high, and Galway will be hoping to get back on track after a 2-8 to 1-7 loss to Dublin in round six.
Galway, now under manager Timmy Rabbitte, have produced winning performances, while giving game time to the squad. The Leonards, Tracey and Roisin, as well as Sarah Conneelly, have played superbly through the middle, their link play and huge scoring power the key in Galway advancing to another league semi-final.
Galway are scoring more and conceding less than they were at this stage last year. The team set-up has seen Galway tighten up at the back and through the middle, while allowing for more attacking flair in the scoring zones.
However, championship football is what matters, and come summer time Galway will be hoping to continue their recent dominance over Mayo when they meet in the Connacht final. Rabbitte and his backroom team are developing the squad with each of the 30 players capable of doing the job if called on.
Both teams will be eager to finish their league campaign on a high on Sunday, which should make for an entertaining game. Last year's contest finished in a draw, which ultimately led to Galway advancing as a result of a superior score difference.
Having won their first five games, and only narrowly losing to Dublin in round six, there is an air of excitement about the Galway team this year. With a strong defence and Olivia Divilly growing into her new role in midfield with fellow Kilkerrin Clonberne team mate Louise Ward, the forwards are all getting their chance to impress.
Having won every title since 2005, and competed against each other in the last five finals, Dublin and Cork are rightly the favourites for the All-Ireland again in 2019. This is not exactly a new-look Galway side with all of the players having previous experience at this level, but they are now benefitting from that experience.
Sunday’s game in Corofin will not decide who will be lifting the Brendan Martin Cup at the end of the year, but another win will keep confidence growing in this Galway side who continue to improve.
