Both sides in Sunday's Railway Cup football final have deferred announcing their selections until today. According to Connacht manager Seamus Hayden, slight injury doubts still surround Mayo players James Nallen and Pat Fallon.

Both provinces are attempting to close long fallow periods in the competition. Munster haven't won since the heyday of Kerry's dominion in the 1980s. Ironically the southern province's last win came in 1982, a year when they were famously beaten in the All-Ireland final by Offaly.

That success rounded off the province's most fruitful spell in the competition - six titles in eight years. In the final, nine Kerry players started and their opponents were Connacht who lost narrowly, 0-10 to 1-8.

The westerners must go back even further for their last win which came 30 years ago. Connacht's last final was two years ago - after a gap of 11 years - but the difference this year is that the province is home to the AllIreland title for the first time in 32 years.

It is 22 years since the province was even able to field a senior All-Ireland medallist - Liam Sammon, the youngest member of the 1966 Galway team.

Manager Seamus Hayden from Roscommon is in his second year in charge of the team and his fifth as a selector. He believes that whereas the presence of Galway players is good for morale, Connacht's improvement in the series pre-dates last September's momentous achievement.

"Last year we were beaten by Ulster in extra time after a replay. They went on to win the title so we did well to be within a kick of the ball of them. I honestly believe we were good enough to win it last year.

"I've enjoyed my involvement with the team and wouldn't have stayed at it so long were it not for the commitment of the players over that time. I hope that Galway's success can make the ultimate difference.

"I was in short trousers at the local primary school the last time there were All-Ireland holders walking around the province, so I can't compare the situation but it's nice to be able to backbone the side with successful players.

"The Galway fellas have given a fantastic response. I've worked with them over the last three or four years and there is no difference to their commitment which is just as good as it was before last year."

He is philosophical about the switch in the calendar from January to April which moves players to within shouting distance of the championship campaigns.

"It's out of the frying pan into the fire. It may be easier to get players available in January and we have only been able to get together twice this year because of county commitments. But in January it's very hard to get pitches, and training in the wet on the ones you get isn't very desirable."

Munster's main concern last night was the availability of Tipperary dual player Declan Browne. But as he is required by the county hurlers for Sunday's National League semi-final against Clare, the province won't be pushing the issue with him. Browne turned out for the drawn Railway Cup semi-final against Ulster despite Tipperary having a league match the same day.

But with the stakes higher for Sunday Browne will line out at left corner forward for the county. The Munster team will be announced today.