Last week's upheaval in Connacht will have been greatly to Mayo's satisfaction. It fulfils two purposes: removing Galway from the provincial scene and refocusing their own attention on tomorrow's match in case recent success made them complacent. A year on from Sligo's famous win over Mayo, the scene has changed a good bit. Peter Ford restored Sligo's morale with a good National League run. But from last year's low, Mayo have soared. The league win wasn't as impressive as the equanimity with which it was treated.

As additional testament to the strength of football in the county at present, Mayo houses the All-Ireland club crown and the provincial minor and under-21 titles.

The loss of David Brady is significant but as long as Eamonn O'Hara is better marked than last year, not decisive. Hard running and a gifted goal got Sligo going last year. This time around, although they'll give another good account of themselves, Sligo should feel the heat of Mayo's current well-being.