Steven Poacher joins Shane Stapleton to preview the Connacht semi-final clash of Mayo and Roscommon — with James Horan looking to get his side back into a final for the first time in five years, and Anthony Cunningham hoping for more glory.
BY SHANE STAPLETON
Recent history suggest that Sunday’s Connacht semi-final clash between Roscommon and Mayo will be a high-scoring affair.
James Horan’s men have not been in a provincial final since 2015, with the Rossies appearing in each decider since then, winning and losing two against Galway.
Steven Poacher previews the game (click play above) and believes there are goals in Roscommon, while Mayo can be leaky at the back.
“There are goals in them,” he says. “You can sense there is a pureness to how Roscommon play, and Mayo are similar. I can see a high-scoring game here.
“I think the game Mayo had last week against Leitrim, now Leitrim didn’t put up much of a challenge, but it was good for Mayo to dust off the defeat to Tyrone and the relegation (to Division Two).
“Roscmmon are full of fantastic footballs, Donie Smyth and Conor Cox, for example.
“We spoke about Mayo, the one thing I’d say about them from last year’s Connacht semi-final (2-12 to 0-17 to the Rossies) is that they look a little different to Roscommon.
“Conor Loftus is at midfield, Tommy Conroy is at corner-forward, Ryan O’Donoghue at 11, Jordan Flynn playing an industrious role at wing-forward.
“I think the freshness will be enough to edge it for Mayo.”
Poacher is also asked if Mayo have perhaps made too many changes too soon, and the coaching style of Anthony Cunningham after his move back from hurling.
SATURDAY
Connacht SFC semi-final
Galway vs Sligo 13.15 – game awarded to Galway
Munster SFC semi-final
Limerick vs Tipperary 13.15
Ulster SFC quarter-final
Cavan vs Antrim 13.15
Leinster quarter-final
Westmeath vs Dublin 18.15
SUNDAY
Connacht SFC semi-final
Roscommon vs Mayo 13.30
Leinster SFC quarter-final
Longford vs Laois 13.30
Wicklow vs Meath 13.30
Kildare vs Offaly 17.30
Ulster SFC quarter-final
Fermanagh vs Down 13.30
Munster SFC semi-final
Cork vs Kerry 16.00
