Sunday, 4pm Connacht SFC quarter-final Galway v Mayo Pearse Stadium Referee: Marty Duffy (Sligo)
Latest from the medics and management…
Both camps have endured difficulty readying themselves for combat. Alan Dillon and Andy Moran are on the comeback trail following injury and are named as substitutes for Mayo. Galway captain Finian Hanley misses out with a shoulder problem, but Michael Meehan was minded carefully during the spring. The gifted Caltra attacker will start for Alan Mulholland’s side.
GALWAY: Manus Breathnach (An Spideal); Johnny Duane (St James’), Colin Forde (Killererin), Gary Sweeney (Mountbellew-Moylough); Gareth Bradshaw (Moycullen), Keith Kelly (Ballinasloe), Gary Sice (Corofin); Niall Coleman (Annaghdown), Fiontan O’Curraoin (Micheal Breathnach); Tom Flynn (Athenry), Paul Conroy (St James’), Conor Doherty (Tuam Stars); Sean Armstrong (Salthill-Knocknacarra), Michael Meehan (Caltra), Danny Cummins (Claregalway).
MAYO: David Clarke (Ballina Stephenites); Kevin Keane (Westport), Ger Cafferkey (Ballina Stephenites), Keith Higgins (Ballyhaunis); Lee Keegan (Westport), Donal Vaughan (Ballinrobe), Colm Boyle (Davitts); Aidan O’Shea (Breaffy), Seamus O’Shea (Breaffy); Kevin McLoughlin (Knockmore), Cillian O’Connor (Ballintubber), Cathal Carolan (Crossmolina); Enda Varley (Garrymore), Alan Freeman (Aghamore), Darren Coen (Hollymount/Carramore).
Checking the odds…
Though not many in the west fancy Galway the bookmakers are afraid of being stung and Galway are available at around 7/4 which isn’t too enticing. Favourites Mayo are 4/7, while the draw at 15/2 might tempt value seekers.
Clues from the form guide…
Galway’s championship displays over the past few campaigns have featured plenty of disappointing defeats. Following their emphatic victory over Roscommon in 2012 Galway then suffered losses to Sligo and Antrim. The previous year Galway had another short summer outfoxed by Mayo and Meath. Not since the early 90′s have Galway been dismissed so quickly. In a strange way could that have benefits? Alan Mulholland thinks so, and he is demanding that a new breed of leaders emerge now that Padraic Joyce and Joe Begin have left the maroon fold.
Mayo will hit Salthill aware that Galway are being completely written off locally and that brings its own issues. Still James Horan has proved to be a sensible operator and he has constructed a seriously enterprising team with a high work ethic.
Donegal’s blistering start in September’s All Ireland final vexed Mayo, but they had a reasonable League. Pinching a win on the banks of the Corrib is something Mayo would take ample pleasure in doing regardless of Galway’s health.
Mayo’s Aidan O’Shea Pic: INPHO/James Crombie
The game breakers are…
Much deliberation surrounded what midfield partnership James Horan would opt for. The O’Shea brothers are his chosen pair. Aidan O’Shea had a few spins further up the pitch in the League, but his bustling aggression at centrefield and big game temperament could be crucial. Galway’s Fiontan O’Curraoin has potential and pedigree, but how will Niall Coleman and the Galway U21 captain deal with the O’Shea’s? Expect to see the middle third loaded with bodies as Tom Flynn and Conor Doherty crave breaks. Mayo’s Kevin McLoughlin will be loitering too trying to knit the play.
Undoubtedly Michael Meehan’s stationing on the edge of the square gives Galway a focal point inside with Sean Armstrong likely to be in a withdrawn role with licence to roam.
Cillian O’Connor’s proven free taking reliability in tight and tense clashes is another factor so Galway need to be disciplined defensively. Some Mayo folk are slightly worried about the cut of their forward unit minus Dillon, Moran, Michael Conroy and Jason Doherty. But they have penetrating runners throughout the park, who will create overlap situations. Lee Keegan and Colm Boyle are particularly adept at venturing into enemy territory so Doherty and Flynn’s ability to cover the ground could be of assistance to a Galway back line that will require Gareth Bradshaw and Gary Sice to demonstrate their foot kicking ability when turnovers are made.
Galway’s Gareth Bradshaw Pic: INPHO/James Crombie
Gazing into the crystal ball…
All the talk about Galway’s recent U21 All-Ireland success having a massive immediate bearing at senior level is a tad optimistic. The only two to start on Sunday and feature a fortnight ago against Cork are O’Curraoin and Flynn. Four defeats in their last five Championship tussles confirms exactly where Galway stand in the national pecking order. Mulholland is stressing they have nothing to lose, but Mayo’s prowess is acknowledged in Galway. Mayo appear to have a bit more depth with Dillon and Moran ready, willing, and able to climb off the bench. Galway’s wild card will be the exciting former St Jarlath’s star Shane Walsh, who has the skill and subtlety to be a key contributor in the future. There are loads of cautionary tales regarding favourites being felled in this particular duel throughout the decades, but Mayo should have the craft to cope. Verdict… Mayo
