Connelly expects tough campaign

Mayo joint manager Pat Homes and Noel Connelly. INPHO

Mayo joint-manager Noel Connelly is adamant that the Connacht SFC is not as clear cut as many think.

Galway manager Kevin Walsh came out this week and stated that Mayo were miles ahead of the other counties in the province, but Connelly disagrees.

The former county star pointed out to the Western People that both Galway and Roscommon have been making huge strides in recent years.

"I do realise Roscommon and Galway have been improving very well over the last four years; they've won all the previous four or five under-21 Connacht championships and Mayo haven't won it since 2009," said Connelly.

"So everybody knows who has the momentum at that level. And we've seen Roscommon after winning Division 2, carrying huge impetus at the moment, so it's going to be a really tough Connacht championship. On their day, any team could win it."