COLM BOYLE IS in enemy territory this week as he steps up his preparation for Mayo’s appearance in next Sunday’s Connacht senior football final.
Working as a Garda in Connemara means he gets an insight into the mood amongst supporters of their opponents Galway.
“I’m based in Galway, in Cliden and I’m living in Mayo,” outlines Boyle. “It’s predominantly a rugby town but obviously the GAA lads would bring up the football the whole time. Nothing major as such. I’m sure now in the next week or two it will be building up.
“Growing up as a young lad I have great memories of going to Mayo v Galway Connacht finals, especially in Castlebar and for me it’s really one I’m looking forward to. Growing up it was a massive thing to go to a Mayo v Galway game and especially a Connacht final. So it’s a privilege to play in one.”
Mayo enter the game as strong favourites to maintain their winning sequence and claim a fourth successive Connacht crown.
They renew acquaintances with Galway in the wake of their opening Connacht clash last season when Mayo mauled the Tribesmen by 17 points.
Boyle believes Galway have bounced back and their recent underage triumphs are starting to tell at senior level.
“I’m not sure what happened (last year). We played well on the day and a few small things went against them. It is well documented Galway have had their problems the last number of years, but I think this year they have turned things around.
“It takes time at under age. We see it ourselves in Mayo. It is only really now we are getting players from teams in the mid 2000′s. It can take time. It is not automatic. Different counties progress at different levels.”
One of Galway’s brightest young talents is attacker Shane Walsh, who lit up their semi-final win over Sligo. Boyle is bracing himself for the challenge posed by the Kilkerrin-Clonberne club man but also points out the threat posed by Galway’s imposing midfield.
“I didn’t see much of the Sligo game yet but from what I hear he (Walsh) is a very promising young footballer. It should be a good challenge for me or whoever picks him up.
“The two boys played very well in midfield. They caught a lot of ball, a lot of clean possession. When a team’s midfielders winning clean possession like that it’s a great launchpad for their attack. Their attack looks dangerous when the ball gets inside.”
