The shadow cast by Galway in the province has distorted attitudes to tomorrow's Bank of Ireland Connacht football final. Despite Mayo's National Football League win over last year's All-Ireland finalists and the evidence of intensifying competition in the province, Galway were widely assumed to be on their way to back-to-back Connacht titles.

Now, in the aftermath of Roscommon's stunning semi-final win, questions arise: Were Galway much good and, if not, how good were Roscommon? Where does that leave Mayo's league win - to say nothing of their unimpressive defeat of Sligo?

Untangling it all leaves some encouragement for both teams. Roscommon's semi-final success was a more calculated achievement than many would have thought likely.

From Frankie Dolan's (pictured after semi-final win) goal just before half-time, the team grew in confidence and were obvious winners long before the final whistle. What stood out was the success of the more varied game played by the challengers and the display of young SΘamus O'Neill at centrefield.

This has some significance for this weekend's match. Mayo are struggling a bit in the middle with David Brady injured, Colm McManamon fighting with his form and Pat Fallon nearly twice O'Neill's age. How possible it is for a teenager to govern centrefield in a provincial final is open to question but Roscommon look in better shape.

The new style of play was noticeable when the teams met in the NFL semi-final in Markievicz Park. Although the approach work was at times intricate, greater damage was done by early ball into Stephen Lohan who gave Kevin Cahill an awkward first half before being switched out the field.

Tomorrow he returns after injury to start on the wing but presumably remains an option for the inside, particularly as Mayo's defence was jumpy for long periods against Sligo and has acquired new corner backs in response.

Mayo have rejigged their attack by starting Kieran McDonald and Maurice Sheridan. This depletes the bench but it makes more sense to start the best 15 - if that's what this turns out to be. Trevor Mortimer will supplement centrefield and space will be tight.

The one thing Mayo have acquired of late is a bit of a finish. They are closing out matches in the final 10 minutes in a manner they used to find impossible. This is a more established trait than Roscommon's sweeping attacks.

This is a finely poised match. Two final considerations make Roscommon the marginal choice. They have played better football than Mayo this summer - albeit in a so far once-off context. Secondly, they have timed their run better and Mayo may find that the league win - no matter how sensibly received - has disrupted the rhythm of their championship.