Connacht Final win may now be a poisoned chalice as Mayo fans react to All-Ireland draw

Sunday’s Connacht final between Mayo and Galway in Castlebar has taken on a curious complexion in the wake of today’s All-Ireland series draw.

With the provincial champions handed a perilous path featuring both Dublin and Derry, along with the loser of the Armagh-Donegal Ulster decider, the traditional prize of lifting the Nestor Cup may come with an unexpectedly steep price.

In Group 4 of the All-Ireland round-robin series, the Connacht champions must negotiate arguably the most dangerous terrain of all, a group stacked with serious All-Ireland pedigree and recent form.

Dublin’s presence alone would give pause, but when coupled with a well-equipped Derry outfit and whichever Ulster giant emerges from next Saturdays Clones showdown, the road suddenly appears daunting.

For Mayo, who haven’t claimed provincial honours since 2021, that raises the uncomfortable and increasingly popular suggestion that defeat in the Connacht final might actually offer a more navigable route toward Sam Maguire.

If Mayo lose on Sunday they’ll enter Group 1 alongside Cavan, Tyrone, and the Ulster champions. Difficult, but not quite the shark tank of Group 2.

Supporters have already taken to social media to bemoan the draw being made in advance of the final.

Regardless, the ball will be thrown in as planned in Castlebar on Sunday afternoon.

Mayo want a Connacht title. Galway want to keep hold of theirs.

But there will be an unwelcome question hanging over the final whistle, is it really worth it?