Connacht Football Championship preview: Who's the best in the west?
Friday 3 May 2019 14:21, UK
With the 2019 Connacht Senior Football Championship getting underway this weekend, we take a look at each of the contenders.
The front-runners
Mayo
Coming into the summer as league champions, Mayo are chasing their first Connacht title since 2015. James Horan's return has bolstered the experienced squad, and the introduction of some young players has given a real impetus to the side.
Matthew Ruane has been a real engine in the middle of the park, while Aidan O'Shea flourished throughout the springtime. With some real depth in the side, the 'nearly men' will be quietly fancying their chances of ending a 68-year wait for All-Ireland glory.
First up is an assault on the provincial title, and they will likely have to end a seven-game losing streak against Galway if they are to reign supreme in Connacht.
Galway
After a breakthrough 2018, the Tribesmen will feel they are moving in the right direction. Kevin Walsh's charges are a side from west of the Shannon who will feel they could have a major say in the All-Ireland conversation.
The westerners had their injury troubles throughout the league, but seemed to be fully honing in on the championship from an early stage this year.
Damien Comer's impending return to full fitness will lift the side, while Corofin contingent Ian Burke, Liam Silke and Kieran Molloy will be gunning for starting berths, bringing with them the feel-good factor of the All-Ireland club title. On the opposite side of the draw to Mayo and Roscommon, the Tribesmen will likely reach the final unscathed.
The chasing pack
Roscommon
Despite relegation from Division 1, there have been causes for optimism thus far in Anthony Cunningham's maiden season at the helm.
Kerry native Conor Cox has been a major addition to the Rossies' attack, and the former Sigerson Cup winner with UCC proved his worth throughout the league.
Although many would view them as third favourites in the province, they will hold no fear of the big two, and will be eager to regain the title they last won in 2017.
The underdogs
Leitrim
Undoubtedly the story of the Allianz League, Leitrim secured promotion out of Division 4 and in the process earned the right to play in Croke Park for the first time since 2006. Terry Hyland's arrival has ensured a spike in Leitrim's fortunes - something that looked distinctly unlikely when the side trailed New York in injury-time 12 months ago.
Ryan O'Rourke has led the scoring charge, but overall they have looked like a more rounded team in 2019.
First up is a date with Roscommon. After exiting Connacht at the hands of their neighbours for the last three consecutive years, Leitrim will be confident of giving a better account of themselves this time around.
Sligo
The Yeats County come into the summer on a woeful run of form, as the only team in the country to go through the entire league campaign without a win.
Losing their seven Division 3 games by a combined 48 points, Paul Taylor's charges will be up against it in the semi-final, when they face the winner of London v Galway.
The form-book would suggest Sligo are heading for the back door.
New York
Since their inception into the Connacht Championship in 1999, the Exiles are yet to register a win. However, in recent years an upset in the Big Apple has been looking more and more likely, having lost to Leitrim and Roscommon by a single point in the last three years.
Nonetheless, their long wait for a win may rumble on to 2020, as Division 1 champions Mayo visit the Bronx.
London
London's foray to the 2013 Connacht final seems a long time ago, but there are causes for optimism.
Ciarán Deely is laying foundations to support sustainable competitiveness, as they prepare for the visit of the Tribesmen to Ruislip.
A home win over Galway is a big ask, but a qualifier run could be achievable.
What the experts are saying
"It’s really hard to call. Galway have had the edge over Mayo in league and championship over the last number of years, so I’m going to stick with Galway."
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