Three key matchups ahead of Mayo Ladies Championship final

STEPHEN SWEENEY V POP GERAGHTY

This meeting of minds is perhaps the most intriguing of all.

Much of what happens out on the pitch in this decider will be shaped by the message and setup these sides are imparted with in these last training sessions.

There's no doubting that these two teams are the most stacked in terms of talent that Mayo has to offer, and there will be many selection headaches coming up.

We'll start, as we have both times so far, with Knockmore.

They have been motoring along impressively so far this season, but the main question mark in terms of who could come in is Shauna Howley.

She made her return to the fold from the bench in the semi-final, having spent time Down Under.

Her class and ability to shoulder responsibility showed in the fact that she was handed the role of free-taker for the rest of the game.

Her 0-22 haul in the 2022 Championship for a woman still in her prime could make her hot property should she start the tie.

Will she start it is a different story.

Knockmore have been flattening sides so far, but they may need to tweak it if they are to reverse the League final loss and the 2024 county final defeat.

Westport, on the other hand, have plenty of selection and tactical headaches to ponder with time ticking down to throw-in.

Pop Geraghty and his backroom have no shortage of strength in depth.

The return of Mayo ace Sherin El Masry from the bench after a spell on the physio's table is a headache of the right kind, but a headache nonetheless.

For both sides, it could very well come down to the final furlongs of a day that promises to be a thriller.

For both sides, those coming in from the bench could be crucial.