A crucial NFL campaign is imminent, and Galway's opener on Sunday at Mullingar with Westmeath is significant.
It is a game that both teams will have targeted since recommencing training, and a typically robust battle is anticipated.
Westmeath’s renowned defence will relish the opportunity to test themselves against a Galway attack that flashed glimpses of its potential in the FBD League.
An FBD final of unseasonably high quality packed with drama concluded in a 2-15 to 1-14 Galway success over Roscommon at Tuam Stadium on Sunday. Roscommon were plucky, but Galwayhad that extra drop of attacking class which proved decisive. Having thundered back into the reckoning on three occasions, Roscommon forced extra time, and that was when Galway's potency told.
There was plenty to admire during that burst of Galway enterprise. Wing back Darren Mullahy bombed forward at every available opportunity, Barry Cullinane's fielding was laudable, while in attack Padraic Joyce was imaginative and Michael Meehan's free-taking immaculate.
Earlier the third quarter had offered signs of a Ros revival, but chances were squandered.
Galway manager Liam Sammon said Roscommon were committed.
“ They were aggressive in their approach, not in any bad way, but there was a great hunger about Roscommon. It took us a long time to break that down.
"There were a few times in the game when we went ahead, but they were able to come back at us. There was a period in the second half when they had four or five easy chances and they missed them and that cost them dearly. We were able to weather that storm and go back ahead again. I would compliment Fergal O'Donnell because he has made a huge difference to them already in a short space of time and they are going to be a difficult team to beat in the Connacht Championship."
Galway will be viewed as similarly awkward opponents by others and Tomas O'Flatharta has Westmeath primed for Sunday. Although they suffered two January defeats to Meath and Laoios in the O'Byrne Cup and Shield, they were without several regulars. Sandwiched in between was a narrow extra-time triumph over Wexford.
Last year's championship confirmed Westmeath's adeptness at vexing highly regarded teams. Dublin and Tyrone both eked out wins against Westmeath, and with O'Flatharta still patrolling the line, the midlanders are optimistic. Division one of the NFL is where every county craves to be, and Westmeath will be especially eager to preserve their top flight status.
That is Galway's errand too, and with Dublin the visitors to Pearse Stadium on February 15, an assured start is important. Westmeath's 2006 summer triumph over Galway ensures there will be no shortage of respect. That was a harrowing evening in the history of Galway football, and the following year's reversal against Sligo was equally cruel.
Since then Sammon has restored order and Galway are seeking to thrill once more. There were moments in the FBD when the range of Galway's game delighted, but the gradient steepens considerably in the NFL.
