Connacht SFC preview: Three-in-a-row likely
May 17, 2013
Mayo captain Andy Moran raises the Nestor Cup at Dr Hyde Park.
On the face of it, you would have to say that last year's defeated All-Ireland finalists are well ahead of the rest but the Connacht SFC has a habit of throwing up some surprise results when least expected so you never know.
Galway would love nothing better than to bring their greatest rivals winning run to an end this Sunday in Pearse Stadium.
It's probably doing Alan Mulholland's men a bit of an injustice calling them a 'banana skin' for the holders.
With forwards of the calibre of Paul Conroy and Michael Meehan they are always going to carry a threat but they have not won a provincial title since 2008.
You would have to say that if Mayo perform up to scratch then they won't be bet.
Roscommon boss John Evans will be a curious spectator in Salthill this weekend as he runs the rule over their semi-final opponents.
The Rossies endured a difficult Division 3 league campaign but finished strongly and the return of their All-Ireland club winning St Brigid's contingent has bolstered the options available to the Kerry native.
Waiting in the long grass, Evans, who is renowned for his meticulous planning and attention to detail, will relish the opportunity to pit his wits against James Horan and, indeed, Alan Mulholland.
In the other side of the draw, Leitrim have already booked their place in the last four courtesy of their facile 4-19 to 0-7 win over New York in Gaelic Park.
Leitrim's joint-manager Barney Breen will travel to Ruislip on Sunday week to witness Sligo take on London in their quarter-final.
The Yeats County endured a miserable Division 3 campaign, winning two and drawing one of their seven games.
They narrowly avoided the relegation trapdoor but will still be expected to see off the Exiles who finished bottom of Division 4.
A Sligo versus Leitrim semi-final would be difficult to call but the prize of a place in this year's decider is a big incentive for both counties.
Unfortunately, for them, the likelihood is that Mayo will be there waiting for them and there will be only one outcome on Sunday, July 21.
Winners: Mayo
Runners-up: Sligo Tweet
