Since the counties met exactly a year ago, there has been great oscillation in the public perception of their fortunes. When John O'Mahony took over Galway last autumn and became the county's third manager in as many years, the former Mayo and Leitrim coach was seen in many quarters as just the man for job.

An impressive NFL campaign followed and even if it ended in disappointing defeat by Offaly at the quarter-final stage, O'Mahony believes that lessons learned that day have been important in the course of championship preparation.

Mayo have been on a slow fuse. After the scepticism aroused by last September's dreadful All-Ireland final defeat, the team rallied under John Maughan and enjoyed an even better League than Galway in the same section (their meeting last winter ended in a draw).

Since then, the pendulum has slipped Mayo's way. Greater experience, consistency of selection and battle-hardened by two lengthy campaigns, the Connacht champions began to look better and better as the day approached.

Last week, events took another turn. The return of Jarlath Fallon to the Galway fold a month or so ago had already been a significant addition. In his absence through injury last year, Galway lacked a focal point from centrefield up.

Then came the news that his Mayo namesake Pat had suffered a legfracture. Pat Fallon was the rallying point last year for Mayo's second-half stand.

The tentative feeling here is that Galway are the better bet. Mayo have been through two championships of intense commitment and crushing anti-climax. It's very hard to think of a team who have sustained this sort of effort over three years without changes at management level or the infusion of some new talent. This hasn't happened with Mayo who are fielding much the same team as has turned out for the last two years.

Twelve months ago, Mayo won courtesy of a good start and a high-powered finish. In between they looked vulnerable to Galway's running game. Since then, the absence of Pat Fallon has ensured that Mayo - at best - haven't improved. Liam McHale is being asked to pick up the pieces of his centrefield career after having it terminated last year by his own management.

Jarlath Fallon's return alone makes Galway an improved prospect. His presence on the 40 is bound to have an inhibiting influence on James Nallen's forays which caused Val Daly such discomfort last year.

For the first time in years, Galway picked up momentum during the League and learned from the experience. Compared to last year, they have added Fallon, Padraig Joyce and Derek Savage to their attack - which is a major addition of quality.

Galway do have a loose look at the back, but Mayo aren't any nearer to having a high-scoring attack than last year when the dependence on Sheridan's free-taking was absolute.

Up front, Galway may have been exhibiting problems finishing chances, but their approach play is impressive and in Tuam last year, they were twice as accurate as Mayo.

In summary, the graph-lines of these counties' respective capacities may well have crossed.

Mayo: P Burke; K Mortimer, K Cahill, F Costello; D Heaney, J Nallen, N Connelly; L McHale, D Brady;D Nestor, C McManamon, J Horan; K McDonald, J Casey, M Sheridan.

Galway: M McNamara; AN Other, G Fahy, T Meehan; S de Paor, R Silke, T Mannion; K Walsh. S O Domhnaill; P Joyce, J Fallon, P Clancy; D Savage, N Finnegan, M Donnellan.