Fierce rivals searching for a summer spark

As the ball arrived into the arms of John Maher, the Galway midfielder knew he had no choice but to fire low and hard. Galway were two points down against the old enemy. The final whistle was seconds away. And this was knockout football.

No manicure would address the level of nail-biting that occurred in the final few minutes in Pearse Stadium last June. Only seconds before Maher received possession, following a direct if not hopeful ball into the Mayo full-back line, Cillian McDaid's punched effort had seemed destined for the top corner of Colm Reape's net only to be denied by the feline reflexes of Eoghan McLaughlin.

But despite Mayo bodies throwing themselves at Galway like Japanese kamikaze pilots, Galway had one more opportunity. The game was coming down to whatever Maher could manufacture within a split second. Thankfully for the visitors, he allowed himself to lean back and the resulting shot cannoned over the bar. The following kick-out was the final play of the game and Galway exited the 2023 championship at the preliminary quarter-final stage.

A year earlier, the Connacht championship encounter between the counties also went all the way to the final seconds. Mayo had been struggling for the most part, only mounting a comeback from six points down with 10 minutes remaining. But once they sensed some Tribesmen vulnerabilities, they rattled off a series of scores that left them within one point as the seconds rolled toward the final whistle. The ball was eventually seized by Aidan Orme on the stand side of the pitch. In hindsight, it was just out of the Knockmore man's range. But he wasn't going to depart MacHale Park wondering why one of his teammates didn't try to force a leveller. As time stopped dead, and the world revolved around Mayo GAA HQ for a brief moment, Orme's ambitious shot seemed to linger in the air longer than the Precambrian Era. It alas went wide. And time was up.

This is Mayo versus Galway – or at the very least what the rivalry has become: a riveting race to a climax, a battle that pushes mental acuity to the limit, a seating furnace of tenacity and perseverance. It's a cult.

Like any rivalry, Mayo and Galway have gone through a number of distinctive eras throughout the years. Both sides have enjoyed periods of domination. As a result, both sides have also had to suffer the ordeal of watching the other produce era-defining teams. But the current iteration of the rivalry is one that is consistently producing captivating affairs. And this Sunday's Connacht final, the first between the pair since the historic 2021 decider in Croke Park, is set to be a continuation of that story.

There is only one known remedy for either a Mayo or Galway side in a slump – welcoming their greatest rival to town for championship football. And both sides' seasons could do with a spark as they progress deeper into the summer months.

While there has undoubtedly been some flaws in Mayo's season thus far, elements of progress are being observed from game to game in recent weeks. There is, of course, still scope to achieve more consistency from their own kick-outs, increased urgency is needed in more attacking plays and gaping holes have appeared in defence from time to time. But a five-point win against a Division One side on a weekend that saw Kerry stumble over the line against a Division Two side and Derry exit the Ulster championship is not to be sniffed at.

The most alarming flaw is Mayo's game has been an overreliance on Ryan O'Donoghue, though a brace of points each from Fergal Boland, Tommy Conroy and Conor Loftus, along with 1-1 from Aidan O’Shea, against Roscommon will have been comforting for Kevin McStay as his side travels to Galway this weekend. It became clear from pretty early in last year's championship that Mayo had peaked too early, and while performances may not be shaking the world just yet, McStay and his side will be attempting to better time their run this season. Another step forward this weekend should allow them to eke past a Galway side who are seriously struggling for form of late.

Galway's issues now stretch all the way back to the 2022 All-Ireland final. They have yet to bounce back from that defeat and Padraic Joyce is running out of time as manager. This will likely be his final derby game as manager, and his recent record against Mayo is certainly a cause for concern. He hasn't managed his side to victory over the neighbours in league or championship since the Connacht championship of 2022.

In their provincial semi-final, Sligo had the Tribesmen on the ropes heading into the final minutes only for a late Robbie Finnerty goal to deny the Yeats County back-to-back provincial final appearances for the first time in their history. Experience ultimately helped Galway over the line, but they won't be able to pull that tool from their locker when coming up against another Division One opponent.

Most of their big players are back too, so there are no excuses for failing to topple Mayo – not that there ever are. But this would also be the fifth consecutive game that they have failed to do so. That's not good enough in any rivalry, not to mention one with Mayo and Galway's history.

An attendance of just short of 5,000 in Markievicz Park suggested a sense of apathy has begun creeping into Galway. The same goes for Mayo, with McStay calling for the Mayo fanbase to come out in force in Salthill following an atmosphere that was "a bit subdued" in Dr Hyde Park. That gives an insight into how both these teams are viewed at present. While they remain genuine threats for any side in the country on their day, there aren't many calling either side legitimate All-Ireland contenders based on recent performances.

But that can all change across 70 minutes in the western-seaboard derby. And to add to the prize on offer, the winner will go top of the Connacht football championship roll of honour with their 49th title.

By Sunday evening, either Galway or Mayo could be launched back into All-Ireland contention. That's the power of the rivalry.