Connolly backs Mayo to overcome Tribesmen

Six-time All-Ireland winner Diarmuid Connolly has backed Mayo to defeat Galway in their Allianz National Football League clash on Sunday.

Throw-in time in Pearse Stadium is at 1.45pm.

Speaking exclusively to BoyleSports this week, Connolly believes Mayo will repeat their win against the Tribesmen in their knockout All-Ireland SFC match in Salthill last June.

“It's a very tasty one to start the league, but Galway and Mayo can always produce a tentative game and this time of year the pitches are very heavy. So it could be a real low scoring affair,” Connolly said.

“Mayo got the measure of them in the big game in the championship and they also won the league last year. I think they're a good price to win it again. I think they’ll have a fitter squad than Galway and that will be a factor, especially the first few games in the league. You'll always see that the fitter teams start well, like Roscommon last year. They hit the ground running, got three wins under their belt and it sets you up to compete for the league.

“They didn't get too far into the Championship, but I think they were on a bit of a rebuild last year and they're reigning league champions –usually they go after the league very strongly.”