This Sunday at Tuam Stadium many Galway supporters will have their first opportunity to see Tomas O' Flatharta's team in the flesh when they face neighbours Mayo in the NFL division one fixture.
While a number of supporters travelled to Clones for the Monaghan tie and to the Marshes last weekend for the Down game, the bulk of those who follow the team's fortunes were always going to wait to see them against their old adversaries Mayo in round rhree at home.
Following the news that Kieran Fitzgerald and Niall Coleman had left the panel, there will be a genuine curiosity factor for some people too, eager to make their own assessment on the flagship team of Galway football.
The fact that the losers on Sunday will be in very serious relegation difficulty adds spice to the game and should ensure it will be a fiercely competitive contest.
Galway have been beaten twice on the road at this juncture and they will be extremely keen to get two points on the board.
If the team is to survive in division one, at a minimum they must win their home games, and in that context a good result on Sunday is vital.
With tough games coming up in the next few weeks against top quality Munster opposition, Kerry and Cork, a victory this weekend will be crucial if the team is to stay up. If they go down to the green and red, it will be hard to see them staying up. The stakes are that high.
Gareth Bradshaw and Adrian Flaherty may be back in contention after missing the defeat to Down due to injury and both players would be likely to start if available.
It was good to see Padraig Lally, Joe Bergin, Paul Conroy and Diarmuid Blake back in the county jersey against Down, while Killererin's Colin Forde caught the eye too with a steady performance. With some new faces on the panel it will be interesting to see the starting 15 for Sunday and who will be introduced as the game goes on. A fully fit Eoin Concannon would be a plus in that regard too.
Mayo have one point from their two home games, following a draw with Down, and a defeat last Sunday to Kerry, and they will be coming to Tuam looking for a win.
However, Mayo manager James Horan has a host of injuries. He is without both Trevor Howley and Neil Douglas, and another big loss for Mayo is the impressive Alan Freeman who broke a bone in his hand against Down. Keith Higgins, on holiday in Australia, will also miss the tie.
Trying to call a winner in any Mayo and Galway clash is fraught with difficulty, and this weekend is no different.
The stakes are high and no doubt O' Flatharta will call on his troops to deliver a winning performance. The desire for a win on home turf will be huge, and there will be the added incentive to prove their naysayers wrong.
It could be a winning formula.
