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Connacht Final Preview: Emlyn Mulligan and Liam McHale's verdicts

This Sunday, Galway and Roscommon's footballers will do battle in the Connacht final. To preview ...
Raf Diallo
Raf Diallo

16.53 14 Jun 2019


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Connacht Final Preview: Emlyn Mulligan and Liam McHale's verdicts


Raf Diallo
Raf Diallo

16.53 14 Jun 2019


Share this article


This Sunday, Galway and Roscommon's footballers will do battle in the Connacht final.

To preview the action at Salthill, two neutrals joined us: Leitrim's Emlyn Mulligan and Mayo legend Liam McHale.

Given Galway have home advantage, most expect Kevin Walsh's side to edge the contest.

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McHale isn't so sure it will be that straightforward.

"I suppose, the fact that Galway are at home and the fact that Kevin Walsh is there for five years gives them a slight advantage," he said.

Familiarity breeds contempt

"But again, if you count the drawn match, this is (Roscommon and Galway's) fifth Connacht final in a row. It's amazing if you consider how dominant Mayo have been had been before that.

"They've become very familiar with each other. Familiarity breeds contempt as we all know, so I think it will be a very edgy game. I don't think it will be a game for the purist and there'll be a lot of whistle blown. If it can be tight going into the fourth quarter, I think Roscommon have a great chance because they have a lot of quality forwards to bring off the bench."

Meanwhile, Mulligan homed in on the form of both teams en route to the final. While Roscommon have beaten Mayo and Leitrim along the way, Galway's toughest test was against Sligo.

"This year, going on form, having watched both this year, I was at the Galway-Sligo game up here in Markievicz Park and [Galway] weren't impressive at all," he said.

"Their inside-forward line that day were non-existent as such. And I suppose the 3-11 to 0-7, I thought even flattered Galway that day in the score-line.

"Then, on the other hand, you have Roscommon. To beat the League champions, to have Enda Smith back in there... they have an abundance of forwards and quality going forward.

"I know the bookies have Galway as strong favourites - and I suppose that's the home advantage that's going down to - if I was tipping anyone myself, I'd be looking at Roscommon. I just think at the minute, they've a solid base there."

You can watch the full preview above via our YouTube channel.


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Connacht Final Emlyn Mulligan GAA Gaelic Football Galway Leitrim Liam Mchale Mayo Off The Ball Roscommon

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