Galway's senior footballers travel to Páirc Seán MacDiarmada to take on Leitrim in the Connacht Senior Football Championship semi-final this Saturday.
Pádraig Joyce's side return to action for the first time since their final day league victory over Dublin on March 22. Their league campaign had highs and lows, but championship will always be the primary focus.
It's difficult to know what to expect from the Tribesmen this championship campaign. A battling stalemate with Donegal and the comeback draw against Kerry is evidence that they are capable of putting it up to any side in the country. But defeats to Connacht rivals Roscommon and Mayo were bitterly disappointing.
It's likely the bulk of the offensive responsibility will fall on the scoring form of Rob Finnerty who was a bright spark during the league run. John Maher and Matthew Tierney formed an impressive midfield partnership. Seán Kelly and Dylan McHugh are coming off the back of solid league campaigns. Cian Hernon's use will be interesting after breakthrough league performances.
Their opponents in this weekend's semi-final, Leitrim, stunned Sligo at Markievicz Park to book a spot in the final four. It was Leitrim's first Connacht championship victory over Sligo since 2011.
They did it with aplomb too, leading by 10 points after 49 minutes. Most impressive was Leitrim's ability to weather the Sligo storm as they threw everything at them in an attempt to claw their way back level. A couple of Barry McNulty points were crucial, before Paul Honeyman sealed the victory in additional time.
Galway should have too much for Leitrim this weekend, but will need to be on high alert. Marshalling McNulty will be top of the Galway defence's list of priorities.
Galway will want a good performance to go along with a victory. One of Mayo or Roscommon will be waiting for them in the final.
Throw-in at Páirc Seán MacDiarmada is 3.30pm on Saturday, April 25.
