Mayo v Galway: All you need to know ahead of the Connacht final

For Mayo and Galway fans, Sunday is more than just a game.

The clash of two of the beating hearts of the west’s footballing identity represents pride.

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It represents bragging rights and the ability to barrel into pubs in the likes of Clonbur, Leenaun, Shrule, and Ballindine with your chest puffed out and your head held higher than The Reek itself.

Sunday demands excellence, composure, and moments of magic in the heat of battle, and may well serve as a tick in the box should these two Gaelic Games institutions meet further down the line in the race for Sam.

Lastly, the 70 minutes represent history, with the small matter of the colour of the ribbons draped around the Nestor Cup up for grabs.

Here, just in case you’re one of the few souls not aware of the details of the Connacht Final, we’ll fill you in on what to expect from what is anticipated to be a captivating display of the best in Connacht.

As always, we’ll be on hand to report every kick of the ball, every tackle, and every moment of reaction here, as well as in Tuesday’s edition of The Mayo News.

Where and when is the game?

The Connacht Senior Football Championship Final between Mayo and Galway takes place in Hastings Insurance MacHale Park, Castlebar, on Sunday, May 4, at 4pm.

Where can I watch the game?

The game will be broadcast live on RTÉ on The Sunday Game.

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Where can I get tickets?

Tickets can be purchased here for unreserved terraced seating at €30 for adults, €25 for students/OAPs, and €5 for juveniles. Tickets are also available from selected Centra and Supervalu stores, as well as through the Mayo and Galway County Boards.

What happened the last two times these sides met?

Galway looked slick and in control the last time these teams clashed in the same venue, and Shane Walsh was imperious when it came to two-pointers as the Tribesmen ran out ten-point winners in the end.

However, a lot of time has passed and a lot of football has been played in the 91 days between that game and Sunday, so expect plenty of changes in each side’s makeup from February 2nd to May 4.

What do Galway bring to the table?

Padraic Joyce’s men pose plenty of problems, and some would even have them as the frontrunners to go all the way in 2025.

The likes of Robbie Finnerty have shown their class in recent outings up top, while Sean Mulkerrin and his colleagues at the back have displayed a propensity for watertight defending.

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Who is refereeing the game?

Paddy Neilan has been handed the reins in this one. Neilan has been involved in many of the top fixtures in the GAA calendar, including the 2022 All-Ireland semi-final between Dublin and Kerry.

The Roscommon native also refereed the most recent All-Ireland senior club final between Cuala and Errigal Ciaran.