Kernan wants Galway to 'up the ante'

Galway manager Joe Kernan is demanding a big improvement from his charges this Sunday as they look to overcome Sligo and qualify for the Connacht SFC final on July 18.

Roscommon lie in wait for the winners of this weekend's semi-final and Galway need to kickstart their challenge in Salthill after a less-than-impressive opening round victory over New York.

While Sligo made the last-four by defeating reigning Connacht champions Mayo, the Tribesmen were less than convincing when posting a 2-13 to 0-12 win in the Big Apple on May 2.

Welcoming back Sean Armstrong, Paul Conroy and Garrett Bradshaw, who missed the trip Stateside, Kernan said: "We lacked composure and gave the ball away too easily (against New York).

"You always expect more from your team when you know they have the quality. Sometimes you have to hurt.

"Certainly I hope from (the last) match the boys are hurting enough to know that we have to up the ante and believe in ourselves.

"I know they are far better than they played and maybe the kick in the backside will be more more beneficial to use as the year goes on."

13-man New York pushed Galway to the limit, with late scores giving the result a more convincing look than it was.

"Sometimes when you win easy, you put yourself in a false sense of security and when the big day comes you realise you realise too late.

"We said to the boys not to forget what happened (against New York) - always have it in the back of your minds," explained the Armagh man.

Galway secured a 1-13 to 0-12 victory over Sligo at the semi-final stage of last year's Connacht Championship, with Armstrong claiming a late clinching goal.

This time around Galway are without Nicky Joyce due to a knee injury, but Michael Meehan, who missed the game against New York, has been named among the substitutes.

Kernan knows Galway must improve if they have any aspirations of going far in the Championship, adding: "(We need) composure, more belief, play the game at a higher tempo and work-rate. We can do better and must do better."