Galway have edge as western underdogs

TWO provincial finals down. Two surprises. Laois, the national league champions, defeated in Leinster and defending Munster champions Waterford toppled by a resurgent Kerry side, which claimed its first provincial title in 10 years last Monday.

And so to Connacht, where the All-Ireland senior winners of 2002, Mayo, take on last year’s All-Ireland junior winners Galway in Sunday’s final. Mayo are the favourites, but in light of recent results, they will not feel too secure in that knowledge.

The two sides have already met twice this year, first in the league, with Mayo winning by nine points, and under three weeks ago in the second round of the Connacht championship, Mayo again emerging victorious, this time by 10 points.