Galway's Allianz Football League campaign kicks-off this weekend as Pádraig Joyce's men welcome Mayo to Pearse Stadium.
It will be the first clash between the sides since last Sunday, when Galway edged out their neighbours by a point to claim their 11th Connacht FBD League title. The first instalment in the Galway-Mayo rivalry across seven days was won by injury time points from Liam Ó Conghaile and a free from Robert Finnerty to seal a 2-12 to 1-14 victory.
The Tribesmen have been warned by Andy Moran's charges who put up a strong fight at Tuam Stadium last weekend. Galway were comfortable as they went into the break 2-6 to 0-5 to the good. Mayo came out fighting after the interval, wiping out the five-point margin to lead going into the final three minutes.
Mayo were then left to rue two technical breaches that were ruthlessly punished by Ó Conghaile and Finnerty off the bench.
For Joyce, the focus this league campaign is likely to be on introducing new faces to bolster squad depth and keep competition for places high. With Matthew Thompson in the US until after the Connacht championship and Johnny Heaney, Cathal Sweeney and Tomo Culhane not involved in 2026, there are spots up for grabs. That process has already gotten underway during the Connacht FBD league, with Joyce giving gametime to 37 players over the three games.
Throw-in at Pearse Stadium is 1.45pm on Sunday, January 25.
