Throw-in
MacHale Park, Castlebar, 4pm Sunday,13 May
Online
Live blog on RTÉ.ie and the RTÉ News Now App from 1530.
Radio
Exclusive national radio commentary on Sunday Sport, RTÉ Radio 1, with Marty Morrissey and Eamonn O'Hara,
TV
The Sunday Game Live on RTÉ 2, from 1.15pm, will come direct from Castlebar. Colm O'Rourke, Joe Brolly and Tomas O Sé will provide analysis on this eagerly anticipated quarter-final, with commentary from Ger Canning and Dessie Dolan.
Highlights of the game, along with all the weekend's action, on The Sunday Game, RTÉ 2, from 9.30pm.
Past 5 Championship Meetings
2017 Galway 0-15 Mayo 1-11 (Connacht semi-final)
2016: Galway 1-12 Mayo 0-12 (Connacht semi-final)
2015: Mayo 1-15 Galway 2-08 (Connacht semi-final)
2014: Mayo 3-14 Galway 0-16 (Connacht final)
2013: Mayo 4-16 Galway 0-11 (Connacht quarter-final)
Form Guide
After a spring where they qualified for the Division 1 League final, Galway's stock is very much on the rise. The manner in which they put it up to Dublin in that Easter Sunday decider is an indication of their current standing.
Galway have always been one of the exponents of playing a traditional game that is easy on the eye and Kevin Walsh's side, to a large degree, follow that same template. Damien Comer and Shane Walsh in the attack and the marauding runs of Johnny Heaney exemplify the Tribes in full flow.
However, there is now a steeliness to the westerners, a steeliness that no doubt is attributable to former coach with the Tyrone footballers - Paddy Tally.
RTÉ.ie columnist Philip Jordan summed up Tally's worth when saying: "Having Paddy Tally as part of their coaching set-up is definitely a plus. Paddy is an astute coach and helped us greatly when we won our first All-Ireland in 2003. He has brought a toughness to Galway, a toughness that compliments a side that have the firepower up front.
"Above all, Paddy is a man that can adapt to different situations.
"It's easy enough to put in a defensive system that keeps the score down, but getting the balance right between defence and attack is key, and Galway now seem to have that balance. They are definitely on the right road."
Mayo's league was very much in stark contrast to their neighbours and it took a last-gasp point from Kevin McLoughlin against Donegal to earn a draw that ultimately preserved their top-flight status.
Should we be surprised that the Green and Red stumbled through the early months? It has been their way in recent years before they finally express themselves with the sun on their backs.
Lee Keegan's absence is a huge blow, but Cillian O'Connor has recovered from the injury picked up against Tyrone .
The sides last met at Pearse Stadium on 11 February in what was a spiteful encounter that saw three players.
Galway did not score for the final quarter of an hour, but did still had enough in hand to win by five. A sign perhaps of their new-found confidence when playing Mayo.
Player Watch
Eoin O'Donoghue (Mayo)
After some impressive showings during the League, O'Donoghue from the Belmullet club will make his championship debut on Sunday afternoon. The 2016 All-Ireland U21 winner is a no-nonsense defender, strong in the tackle, while equally adept at making imposing runs up the field.
He kicked vital points in the wins over Monaghan and Donegal and will be entrusted with keeping tabs at Galway's inside forward line in Castlebar.
Sean Andy Ó Ceallaigh (Galway)
Another championship debutant sees Ó Ceallaigh line out at full-back for the Tribes. The Naomh Ánna, Leitir Mór man was to the fore in Galway's march to last year's march to the All-Ireland U21 final.
He then spent the summer in the US, but his return has been warmly welcomed by all in Galway, as he spearheads a defence that is certainly a lot more assured.
Manager Watch
Stephen Rochford (Mayo)
Now in his third year at the helm, Rochford has still to oversee a competitive win over Galway, while the heartache of two consecutive All-Ireland defeats still burns deeply.
Another defeat against the Tribesemen would undoubtedly test Rochford's credentials and the prospect of another shark-infested qualifier route ahead of a most competitive 'Super 8' series.
Kevin Walsh (Galway)
After doing some notable work in his time as Sligo manager, it was no surprise that Walsh would would eventually get the gig in his native land.
These last few months have finally seen Galway realise their potential and if Walsh can claim another Connacht title and see his troops through to competitive action come August, then another big step will be taken.
Teams
Mayo: David Clarke; Eoin O’Donoghue, Ger Cafferkey, Keith Higgins; Patrick Durcan, Colm Boyle, Stephen Coen; Seamus O'Shea, Tom Parsons; Kevin McLoughlin, Aidan O’Shea, Diarmuid O’Connor; Conor Loftus (Crossmolina), Cillian O’Connor (capt), Andy Moran
Galway: Ruairi Lavelle; Declan Kyne, Seán Andy Ó Ceallaigh, Eoghan Kerin; Gary O'Donnell, Gareth Bradshaw, Cathal Sweeney; Tom Flynn, Cathal Duggan; Shane Walsh, Paul Conroy, Johnny Heaney; Sean Armstrong, Damien Comer, Barry McHugh
The former Kerry stat gave his thoughts on Sunday's game on Morning Ireland.
"I think Mayo would find it difficult to face a back-door journey again. They want to get to the Super 8s through the front door, but Galway have their card over the last couple of years.
"There’s pressure on them now because they’re expected to win. They have made brilliant steady progress, from winning Division 2, becoming Connacht champions and remaining unbeaten in Division 1 this season until the final.
"They’re really well set up at the back and have some serious talent up front.
"Mayo are proven in Championship and Galway arguably aren’t yet but I think Galway will win. They have the forwards to score and the defence to frustrate Mayo.
"I think it will be really physical, and the referee will have a tough match. It will be a right good old-fashioned battle."
Weather
Sunday will start mainly dry and bright with some sunshine. However, showers will develop again in the afternoon and a few will be heavy. Highest temperatures of 12 to 14 degrees in just light breezes. For more go to met.ie
