Galway manager John O'Mahony is sending out a special thank-you message to supporters who "have come back in droves" to back the county team this year. Speaking ahead of Sunday's Connacht football championship opener against with Galway's great rivals Mayo, O'Mahony's native county, he said:

"What I am very appreciative of is their understanding of a young team. We have four under-21s. No huge pressure is being applied".

Corner back Robin Doyle is still doubtful for the fixture, although he attended training on Wednesday. "His ankle injury is slow to recover, but we are hopeful," said O'Mahony. Doyle broke into the team this year and his displays have been impressive.

"Rather than look to any one sector of the team for inspiration, I believe that to win a championship match a team must fire on all cylinders," said the Galway manager. "Mayo hold a definite edge in experience gleaned from figuring in the last three All-Ireland finals including a replay," he admitted.

Where would he like to see improvements in his team's performance? "I would hope for a stronger finish than last year. Mayo seemed to be moving better than us towards the end of that game."

O'Mahony expects a modern style of game with emphasis on running with the ball and much hand passing.

Mayo's Maurice Sheridan scored eight points of his team's 1- 16 tally against Galway's 0-15 in Tuam last year, but Galway's Niall Finnegan, now sited at full forward, was the top scorer in that first-round tie with nine points.

Galway have won 33 of the 65 ties between the counties so far. Remarkably, Mayo's win in Tuam last year was their first at the venue in 46 years.

The special GAA congress on Saturday week at which the association's Central Council will be asking the delegates to decide on motions affecting Rule 21 is to be held in camera.

A two-thirds majority will be needed to rescind or suspend the rule in the Treorai Oifigiuil.