For once, Galway arrive in Croke Park without carrying the unbearable pressure of instant delivery. And, for once, their championship approach has not been so transparent. Whereas, previous years saw Galway take to the league like eager puppies only to somehow get lost in the real cut and thrust, their apathetic league semi-final exit against Tipp has provided a smokescreen. Also, rumours about the ferocity of the Mike McNamara boot camp have been trickling from the west since the New Year. So we wait to see what Galway emerges tomorrow.

As ever, the law of averages decrees that this must be the year when the depth of talent facilitates a breakthrough. Progression under Mattie Murphy was evident for all to see but seemingly not fast enough for the power-mongers by the Corrib. This tie virtually guarantees Noel Lane an inaugural championship win, something that eluded Galway from 1993 until last year's quarter-final success against Tipperary.

In Derry tomorrow, they will encounter a side of substantial organisation if comparatively limited talent. A well-fed Geoffrey McGonigle will provide a useful test for Michael Healy at full back. The sight of Greg Kennedy at corner back must be welcoming for Galway aficionados, with Liam Hodgins more suited to centre back.

Ollie Canning's conversion to defence enhances the side. The Richard Murray- David Tierney midfield tandem sounds enticing but they will be up against a couple of crafty old survivors in Ollie Collins and Ronan McCloskey.

A Galway win is inevitable here and if Kevin Broderick, Eugene Cloonan and Darren Shaughnessy get goal-hungry (with Fergal Healy and Ollie Fahy itching on the bench), it could become uncomfortably one-sided.