McStay's Mayo hold the aces to end Galway's provincial dominance

by Martin Carney, Mayo's foremost GAA analyst

OLD foes. Familiar to a fault.

Identical provincial records. Both with a similar return of 48 titles in total.

To take the symmetry a step further, they have each endured the pain of final defeat 34 times.

This, in fact, is the 46th occasion (including replays) that they have squared off in a provincial final.

The Galway/Mayo rivalry is as old as the code itself and tomorrow in Pearse Stadium, Salthill, the latest episode in the long-running series will unfold before the champions of 2024 are unveiled.

Galway are going for three titles in a row while it’s all of three years since Mayo last claimed the Nestor Cup.

I’ll leave it to yourself to decide how important the prize is anymore given that both teams are already assured of their places in the All-Ireland series proper, which starts in four weeks' time.

Certainly, Mayo manager Kevin McStay left nobody in any doubt about his team’s short-term goal during his post-game interview in Dr. Hyde Park. Grabbing silverware is high on his agenda and there’s no better immediate opportunity of achieving this than by winning Connacht.

There are those who would have us believe that this is a gimme, a ‘shoo-in’ for Mayo who, despite being none other than functional, did what they had to do to overcome the Roscommon challenge.

On the same weekend in Markievicz Park, Galway, in contrast, somehow – miraculously, I’d say – beat Sligo with practically the last kick of the game. By his own admission, manager Padraig Joyce conceded that Galway on the day were a distant second best.

Where then does all of this leave Mayo? Have we genuine grounds for optimism? Are Mayo in a position right now that leaves them well clear of whatever Galway come up with in Pearse Stadium?

Looking at recent results between the teams, there are sufficient pointers that would suggest caution.

Opponents in six Connacht finals since 2017, Galway hold a four to two advantage.

There was never more than three points between the teams on any occasion, and three of the games were settled by the minimum margin.

Nevertheless, in their last four league and championship meetings since the start of 2023, Mayo, apart from one draw, have a perfect record.

The big questions, then, are where is one likely to gain an advantage over the other and are Galway as ordinary as many of their supporters suggest?

Galway this year are a curious mix who cannot be underestimated despite indifferent recent form.

The Tribesmen can justifiably point to an injury-ravaged season that has cast a cloud over their preparations.

Matthew Tierney, Shane Walsh, Cillian McDaid, Liam Silke, Sean Kelly, Paul Conroy and Damien Comer have been absent for lengthy periods for one reason or another. Were it not for the introduction of Comer in the second half of their game with Sligo, it is doubtful that Galway would have survived at all.

Making his first appearance of the year as a second-half substitute, aside from scoring two points, he orchestrated the move that led to Rob Finnerty’s winning goal. His return will boost team confidence.

The enigmatic Shane Walsh, on the other hand, seemed flat against Sligo. With just a single point return, he was substituted early in the second half.

If Galway are to succeed, the Kilmacud Crokes man needs to fire on all cylinders. Were he and Comer on song, life would be interesting at best for the Mayo defence.

Newcomers like Caoimhin Ó Currain, and Liam Ó Congaile have aided and abetted Rob Finnerty all season but without the double act of Walsh and Comer sparking, it’s hard to see from where Galway will find a winning return.

What has been a feature of Mayo performances all year is the collective chemistry in the team.

Players work hard for one another, are spirited and cover off each other’s weaknesses when they manifest.

Although I see the defensive central corridor vulnerable at times, pods of players are generally there to compensate when trouble threatens.

Midfield at times has been ineffective and in the last two games found it hard to win primary possession from kick-outs; a 62% return from our own restarts against Roscommon wasn’t the mark of champions, yet the energy and willingness to work for one another compensated for deficiencies in this sector.

Galway will have noted a potential weakness with Mayo defending high ball. This facet of play hasn’t been up to standard at times so this is a possible area they will try to exploit.

Jack Coyne, Sam Callinan and Rory Brickenden have worked hard for one another but I’m not sure who from the three will be detailed to mark Comer if he starts.

In this regard, there may be a temptation to withdraw David McBrien or Stephen Coen into the full-back line. With greater physical presence, they might be better equipped for the task.

The sight of Patrick Durcan limping off the field during the Roscommon game was worrying.

But the good news is that he's fit to start tomorrow. Quite simply, Mayo are a better team with him present. His energy, discipline and sense of timing when to attack benefit all.

The game against Roscommon the last day will have done Jordan Flynn the world of good and he will be much sharper this time round.

Fergal Boland has added immeasurably to the attack since his recall. Aside from his long-range point scoring, he possesses a wonderful awareness of better placed colleagues. As a consequence, his inside forwards have reaped the dividend.

Indeed, it is with that full-forward line that Mayo hopes mainly rest. Outfield sallies from deep contribute quite a bit on the scoreboard but how well, or otherwise, Ryan O’Donoghue, Tommy Conroy and Aidan O’Shea perform will have a big bearing on the outcome.

O’Donoghue is in the form of his life for the county in recent months. Conroy will have gained considerable confidence from the points he scored the last day against Roscommon.

Likewise, O’Shea, with the memory of his goal, will present a formidable opponent to whoever is tasked to mark him. On song and inspiring those around him, he is a force of nature.

If fit, Diarmuid O’Connor, his brother Cillian and Eoghan McLaughlin will add depth to the squad. That fusion of energy and experience they bring will add to the Mayo charge.

Against Roscommon, Mayo’s bench left a deep imprint on the game when they were introduced. Something similar is needed again next Sunday.

Pearse Stadium never plays easy. Its unpredictable nature can reduce games to something akin to footballing dog fights – in particular if nature does its worst.

Yes, Galway will be a more focused foe that we encountered in January and will be much improved from the team that limped over the line against Sligo. Despite this, they have too much ground to make up.

Irrespective, I think Mayo hold the aces and have the strengths to deal with whatever circumstances they face.

Fitter, stronger, possessing an inside trio playing their best at the moment, their collective chemistry is at a higher level than that of their opponents.

It will be tight – games between them invariably are – but backed by their superior self-belief, Mayo can show all why they are the best in Connacht.