By Rory Houston
Early optimism amongst Galway footballers was brought to an end after a shock loss against Sligo in the Connacht semi-final and this weekend’s qualifier with Antrim is far from a foregone conclusion.
An impressive quarter-final win over Roscommon raised hopes about a new era for Galway as they combined their fine up-and-coming young players with their old guard to earn a big win.
It looked like they would set up a fascinating decider with Mayo but Sligo exploited many weaknesses in the Tribesmen and fully deserved victory.
It was a reminder of just how far they have to get back to be considered amongst the best in the country again, and a lesson for some of the new players in their panel this year that Championship football is not as easy as they had it in Dr Hyde Park in the quarter-finals.
Galway manager Alan Mulholland has made plenty of changes this weekend. Michael Meehan and Conor Doherty will start in a new look attack, while Tony Fahy and Fiontan O Curraoin also come into the side.
Doherty is given a chance to shine after looking like he would never breakthrough in the forward line and again Mulholland is putting faith in something new rather than relying on senior men.
Antrim had to be resolute in London to avoid going the same way as Fermanagh last year to progress past the Exiles.
It was a tight encounter, much like their defeat to Monaghan in the Ulster Football Championship, and this is the type of challenge they need.
Liam Bradley’s men need to produce something convincing, to show that they are at least making some progress and they are quite capable of competing with this Galway side.
A large crowd should be present in Casement Park and it will be interesting to see how the home side fares.
Galway’s extra bit of class in reserve may decide a close game.
Verdict: Galway
