Preview: Connacht SFC - Leitrim v Galway
May 16, 2015
At the 2015 Connacht GAA Football Championship launch, are Back, l/r: Galway captain Paul Conroy, London captain Martin Carroll, Roscommon captain Niall Carty, Sligo captain Mark Breheny, Leitrim captain Sean McWeeney and front, Mayo captain Keith Higgins ©INPHO/James Crombie
Galway manager Kevin Walsh is taking nothing for granted ahead of tomorrow's Connacht SFC quarter-final against Leitrim.
His team may be overwhelming favourites to progress to a last four showdown against holders Mayo but the two-time All-Ireland winning midfielder expects a tough encounter this weekend in Carrick-on-Shannon.
"Shane Ward is obviously a very good manager. I think he was over the minor and Under 21 teams, which turned Galway over, so he obviously knows Galways inside out. He also has a system in place that is working for him.
"As the league went on they got stronger, so we are under illusions that when those guys see us coming to the door they will be well prepared and they will be confident."
The Galway starting 15 shows two changes from the team which defeated New York (2-18 to 0-8) in the first round.
Brian O'Donoghue replaces Tom Healy in goal, while Micheal Lundy comes in for Eddie Hoare in the half forward line.
New Leitrim manager Ward has included five championship debutants in his line-out - Matthew Murphy, Niall Woods, Thomas Mulvey, Ronan Kennedy and James McGrail.
The underdogs boss has called on Leitrim supporters to come out in force: "The Leitrim people, we'd be hoping they come out in force and enjoy the day for what it is, enjoy the spectacle of football and get right behind their team."
Verdict - Galway.
Leitrim team: Cathal McCrann; Matthew Murphy, Ronan Gallagher, Niall Woods; Seán McWeeney (C), Gary Reynolds, Thomas Mulvey; Darren Sweeney, Shane Moran; Danny Beck, Donal Wrynn, Kevin Conlan; Ronan Kennedy, James McGrail, Fergal Clancy.
Galway team: Brian O'Donoghue; Johnny Duane, Finian Hanley, Cathal Sweeney; Liam Silke, Gary O'Donnell, Seán Denvir; Fiontán Ó Curraoin, Paul Conroy; Gary Sice, Shane Walsh, Mícheál Lundy; Peadar Óg Ó Gríofa, Damien Comer, Danny Cummins.
Match details: Sunday, Pairc Sean MacDiarmada, 3.30pm.
Referee: Anthony Nolan.
Odds: Leitrim 8/1, Draw 22/1, Galway 1/16.
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