Connacht SFC semi-final: Roscommon v Galway (Hyde Park, 4pm Sunday)
SOWING the seeds of…doubt? Risk? Not love anyway, not between Galway and Roscommon.
In several senses, this is a less serious meeting between these regular rivals than has been the case recently, with five of the last six Championship clashes, all from 2016 onwards, having been in Connacht Finals – plus last year’s Division Two final, won by the Rossies.
The difference between success and failure is surely less for another reason this time.
Sure, the winners are likely to take the title, against either Sligo or New York, and, perhaps more importantly, also be among the four number one seeds in the new round robin group format for the All-Ireland Senior Football Championship.
The losers will only be third seeds, who will begin the three-match campaign group against one of the other provincial champions, potentially putting them on the back foot straightaway if they lose the opener.
Yet as only the teams that finish bottom of the four groups are completely eliminated, in truth there's no great jeopardy.
Still, that won't stop the Tribe and the Rossies tearing into each other at the Hyde.
Galway are aiming to reach an eighth consecutive Connacht SFC Final, while Roscommon are targeting a 50th final appearance, having won 24 and lost 25.
The Tribesmen can move to joint top on the western roll of honour if they win their next two matches, currently one behind Mayo's tally of 48.
Despite Roscommon dumping out Mayo in the quarter-final in Castlebar, despite them defeating Galway in their recent Division One meeting, the visitors will still be the favourites in the Hyde.
Indeed, if the team list means anything, Galway manager Padraic Joyce means business.
The inside forward line looks fearsome with Shane Walsh joined by Damien Comer (who was only fit enough to come off the bench in the Division One final against Mayo) and also by Ian Burke of Corofin.
Sweeper Cathal Sweeney, who wore 13 against Mayo, is listed as left half-back instead of Cian Hernon, with Jack Glynn behind him rather than Sean Fitzgerald. Bernie Power has got the nod in nets, in for Connor Gleeson.
Unsurprisingly, Rossie boss Davy Burke has announced the same side as started their 2-8 to 0-10 win in MacHale Park. Two first half goals, from Boyle boys Enda and Donie Smith, six points from Diarmuid Murtagh, and a defiant, determined defensive display were too much for Mayo.
Keeping that aforementioned Tribe trio away from goal, especially aided and abetted by half-forwards Matthew Tierney, Johnny Heaney, and Peter Cooke, as well as the midfield pairing of Paul Conroy and John Maher, will be a huge ask for Roscommon.
The hosts will be hard to beat, having seen off Tyrone, Armagh, and Donegal there during the league. However, Mayo won at the Hyde, and a significantly strengthened Galway side should get revenge for the defeat Roscommon inflicted on them in Pearse Stadium in round two.
The Rossies are on a high after upsetting Mayo, but Galway have been waiting, watching, and preparing. The Tribe should march on into yet another final.
Referee: David Gough (Meath).
