Really looking forward to this one now. You can't beat a Mayo v Galway Connacht final. Predictions for this???

Il go for Mayo 2-13 Galway 1-12

I am excepting and hoping our experience means we pull away in the final 15mins but as the Roscommon game showed, last year was a one off and Mayo won't have it all their own way again. It will be interesting to see how the Galway Midfield does as I have heard great things and the pressure will be on young Cummins in the corner. Finian Hanley back anchoring defence is also a huge plus for them as is the impressive Paul Conroy.

As for our lads, some interesting changes. The AOS experiment at CHF has been tried before and failed. Interesting that B.Moran starts instead of Gibbons and Dillon makes a return although could drift out to the half forward line. I - 9 as usual we are very strong but our swapping and changing of the forward line shows inconsistency and doubt. That said on their day they can do alot of damage. Lee Keegan has been quiet by his standards so far this year and I think he could ignite in Sunday along with Kevin Mac. I would take a one point win as with local derbies it's all on the day.

Galway people will tell you many a fine and fancied Galway football team were taken down by not so Mayo teams down the years and Mayo people will tell you the same visa versa.

Up Mayo!

yew_tree (Mayo) - Posts: 11236 - 11/07/2014 12:29:52    1617290

Yep yew tree. You can't beat a traditional Connacht final. It's been too long. It's going to take one hell of a mighty effort and for a lot of things to go right on Sunday but I'm getting more confident the closer it gets.

It's the typical youth vs experience (not that mayo are old). This mayo group is a fine team, in the top 3/4 in the country, but for some reason I think we can storm castlebar and take Nestor home!!!!

Come on Galway!!!! Up the tribesmen!!!!

tribeinbrum (Galway) - Posts: 4155 - 11/07/2014 13:23:00    1617322

Aye Yew Tree, with all that Garth Brooks nonsense dominating the media it is good to be able to look forward to what is a very interesting game. Galway definitely have fine, skilful footballers as you would expect but they seem to be way off Mayo in terms of physicality and athleticism, especially when you compare Galways 6 forwards to Mayos 6 backs. Galways midfield did look impressive against Sligo, and it was great to see kickouts going long and being properly contested, but Mayos 2 will give them a much bigger test Sunday. Surprised that Andy Moran starts, Mayo should be looking for a way to win an All-Ireland and it just seems Croke Park is too big and fast for Andy to be starting there now, though he is still a fine footballer. Would have thought they might have stuck with the younger lads who will be needed when they get to Croker, just so they can benefit from the experience of a big occasion like Sunday. I expect Mayo to win by 6 or 7, but for it to be a good, positive game of football with plenty of talent and skill on show..

Soma (UK) - Posts: 2630 - 11/07/2014 13:35:10    1617332

I think the outcome of this game will depend on the Shane Walsh v Colm Boyle battle. Walsh is a fine young footballer and was involved in a lot of Galway's attacks/scores against Sligo.If Boyle (or whoever may end up marking him) can keep him quiet then I think Galway could struggle. That said, I still expect it to be tight given Mayo's recent form but think Mayo will come through with 2-3 points to spare.

Trooper_Thorn (Mayo) - Posts: 19 - 11/07/2014 13:59:08    1617354

soma most of what you say is correct although I think you underestimate the strength of the galway fowards. there appears a reason paul conroy and eddie hoare are named in the ff line although both won't start there. hoare was out for a few years with injury and is a big bullish style player. I feel he is included for his form but also to protect the more sublime galway forwards. lundy is the fastest player in the squad and if on the ball will run for ireland. shane walsh and damien comer both stars of last year's winning u21s are very talented but also tall strong players. only danny cummins would be considered small but he has lightening pace. michael martin can consider himself unlucky but I think the team is picked with one thing in mind ...not to be bullied. O'Curraoin at 8 has put on weight so is much stronger than last year. our half back line is a concern as can be too loose but we have joss moore back at no. 4 after injury which is a huge boost as he is a tight marker. all in all the natural opinion is to side with mayo but it is an age old rivalry and tables have been turned on many occasions.

kiloughter (Galway) - Posts: 1947 - 11/07/2014 20:00:20    1617546

Don't understand how Galway supporters believe they have a chance against Mayo.

Galway were poor in the League, poor in last years championship and are way off Mayo.

Don't be fooled by Mayo's performance against Roscommon they did what they had to do and we're never in any real danger in my opinion.

As a neutral Mayo to win at a cantor.

Cleatus (Donegal) - Posts: 125 - 12/07/2014 08:23:58    1617623

cleatus no one gave monaghan a chance in the ulster final last year saying donegal would win at a 'cantor' as you describe it. this is all relative and league form is a patchy guide at the best of times. of course we are no world beaters but remember we are in a rebuilding process that is showing signs of producing green shoots. in fairness hard for people outside the football areas of the county do not mind the county itself to see this. we know where we are and the challenge mayo will pose but remember this cyclical and people have short memories.

kiloughter (Galway) - Posts: 1947 - 12/07/2014 09:29:01    1617636

Can't disagree with your comments kiloughter including on last years Ulster final.

That said I still can't see Galway winning this match.

Anyway best of luck in the final and if things go your way I'll gladly eat my words

Cleatus (Donegal) - Posts: 125 - 12/07/2014 10:13:23    1617651

I think Cleatus the majority of Galway supporters are not expecting a win tomorrow, however we are hoping for a step up in performance and signs that this young team are developing.. Mayo should win and i would not be surprised if they did by 6 points or more, but we all hope!!

Belclare1 (Galway) - Posts: 1626 - 12/07/2014 10:15:49    1617653

I would NEVER say a team has not got a chance in a final...

ziggy320001 (Meath) - Posts: 2432 - 12/07/2014 10:20:44    1617654

As a Galway fan I really hope Galway show progress over last year. With the hurlers out of it it's even more important to me to have something to cheer about.

WoodlawnPat (Galway) - Posts: 288 - 12/07/2014 10:29:05    1617657

Looking forward to the game but my main fear would be that the Mayo half forward line will control the game as our half back line look to be our weakest link. If that does not happen it should be a 4 or 5 point game and we can regroup for the qualifier against probably Tipp or Laois in a fortnight.

sean55 (Galway) - Posts: 82 - 12/07/2014 10:34:43    1617660

Looking forward to the game but my main fear would be that the Mayo half forward line will control the game as our half back line look to be our weakest link. If that does not happen it should be a 4 or 5 point game and we can regroup for the qualifier against probably Tipp or Laois in a fortnight.

sean55 (Galway) - Posts: 82 - 12/07/2014 10:34:53    1617661

I started a thread on Galway during the league when people were overreacting to their early losses. It's hard to see anything but a Mayo win. Natural conclusion to expect after recent years and Mayo's division 1 status. Still though it's up to Galway to upset the form guide. Taking the direct route to the quarter-finals has got to be the preferred route for both counties.

legendzxix (Kerry) - Posts: 7876 - 12/07/2014 11:26:40    1617689

Galway are my outside bet for the weekend, and at 9/2 they are definitely value for money. They impressed when Down played them in the league and also vs Sligo, and if they produce a quality performance tomorrow and Mayo under-perform again they have a fantastic chance of becoming Connacht champions.

MourneArmy (Down) - Posts: 1787 - 12/07/2014 16:49:37    1617795

Good morning and safe traveling Mayo, Galway and Roscommon fans. Talking to a county board official last night, just over 30,000 tickets sold for this game so get there early as it could be a sell out. Up Mayo!

yew_tree (Mayo) - Posts: 11236 - 13/07/2014 09:47:28    1618088

To all going I'm jealous as can be. Have a great day and COME ON GALWAY!!!!!

tribeinbrum (Galway) - Posts: 4155 - 13/07/2014 10:49:21    1618122

i just hope it aint Olympic handball...

sob (Meath) - Posts: 492 - 13/07/2014 14:02:44    1618214

Galway to win

GaryMc82 (Derry) - Posts: 3017 - 13/07/2014 14:02:48    1618215

Galway tackling well but they have no inside forward line so far. If they had target men to score Mayo would have a real game

Royalio11 (Meath) - Posts: 757 - 13/07/2014 14:17:26    1618220