Keith Duggan sets the scene for a do-or-die local derby clash
Many Mayo football people must be regarding tomorrow's local derby in Castlebar as the equivalent of a trick question.
After setting the standard in the league with an enthusiastic and impressive string of wins under Mickey Moran, Mayo have been rewarded with the dubious gift of a home do-or-die confrontation against their neighbours.
Few teams have the ability to "turn it on" quite so suddenly and devastatingly as Galway and after an insipid league start, Peter Ford's team have become more potent with every passing Sunday. The visit to McHale Park gives them the chance of a dress rehearsal before what is widely anticipated as being a Connacht final showdown against these teams.
Galway caught the last bus for these semi-finals and managed to qualify without advertising their form too greatly. Their most explicit statement came against Meath in Salthill, when a forward line filled with celebrated names put on a mesmerising show of finishing and style on a slippery day by the promenade.
"They created six goal chances and put away six of them," remembers Meath manager Eamonn Barry. "Of course, we were conscious coming into the game that we were facing a team with really good quality scoring forwards. And it is a law that if you get enough good possession to your inside lines, they will score for you. All six of their attackers were really on their game that day. When that is the case, any defence will be stretched because they have so many options.
"What struck me and impressed me most about their performance was the understanding between the forwards, particularly between Joyce and Meehan. And the way they were working for each other. That stood out."
Although the final scoreline of 4-12 to 0-11 made it seem like a thorough pasting, Galway made Meath pay dearly for every tiny mistake; errors that would amount to nothing on many other league days. The maroon men were sharp and clearly in a mood for self expression.
Although Micheál Meehan's supreme goal taking abilities (he has fired 6-17 in the league to date) have long been noted, his physical strength is now an added feature of his game and he is becoming an excellent ball winner. Derek Savage is playing with more freedom and apparent enjoyment than he has done in several seasons and is working his socks off to make mischief.
The maturation of Seán Armstrong gives Galway another natural scoring forward and his Salthill team-mate, Michael Donnellan, has recently returned to the county team after the city club's All-Ireland run.
Matthew Clancy has been dropped into defence as required but retains the freedom to break forward and is another proven score taker - he contributed 0-2 in last week's comprehensive victory in Newcastle against Down. With so many team-mates playing well, Pádraic Joyce has had room to flourish.
Mayo's defenders are more than familiar with their Galway counterparts but that doesn't change the fact that they may be facing their most potent attack in the league to date. Mayo have shipped 7-77 in this competition (a statistic made slightly lopsided by their concession of four goals in Dublin) but have impressed with a memorable Saturday night victory away to Kerry and an equally notable draw against Tyrone. Those familiar maroon jerseys, however, bring their own demons.
The recent under-21 final, in which Mayo hammered Galway on a score of 0-15 to 0-05, is bound to have repercussions on tomorrow's game. Mayo turned down Galway's request for a postponement before reclaiming the title in McHale Park. It was not the first time that there has been a diplomatic breakdown between the neighbours.
"No, it is not without precedent," chuckled John O'Mahony this week. "In 2003, Galway had to play an under-21 final on the Wednesday after losing the All-Ireland quarter-final replay against Donegal. We had several lads involved and it meant playing a fourth game in 10 days."
In 2001, Mayo prevailed against Galway in the league final but by the following September, Galway were All-Ireland champions. Winning the league or coming through this semi-final is not going to make the season of either county. "It will definitely heighten the tension," predicts O'Mahony. "Both teams will be mindful of what is at stake in July and motivation won't be a factor. The issue here is bigger than qualifying for a league final. These Galway-Mayo games take on a life of their own."
