Galway marched to a successive Connacht final after securing a 3-11 to 0-7 victory over Sligo in Markievicz Park.
Of crucial importance to Kevin Walsh's outfit is the return of key personnel, with their half-back line in particular reinvigorated by the introduction of several exciting prospects.
Fresh from a summer stint in USA last year, Liam Silke landed 1-2 in a man of the match performance for the Tribesmen. The Corofin man started in a new-look back six that also boasted club footballer of the year Kieran Molloy. Molloy was taken off with a shoulder injury during the first half.
Athletic midfielder Fiontán Ó Curraoin also started and scored from midfield. The Michéal Breathnach club man had his season last year severely disrupted after breaking his leg in a club game in late 2017.
Another man looking to kick on after successive injuries is Michael Daly. He kicked 0-2 while his brother and new half-back John Daly continues to impress after his second championship start.
An array of talent is now at Galway's disposal, management's task is now to mould it into a shape capable of challenging into late August. It was a second-half onslaught that compounded Sunday's scoreline, at the interval they only led by two on a 0-5 to 0-3 scoreline.
Their final opponents will be known come 9pm next Saturday as Mayo prepare for Roscommon in MacHale Park. But a Connacht final won't define their season.
When quizzed on a perception of a negative style earlier this year, Walsh was definite: "At the end of the day, people want results and we’re going to try and give as many results as we can to Galway."
It was made clear to the panel that the league was not a priority. Having made a league final last year, timing their peak is everything. August activity is the aim. A reinvigorated squad are capable of delivering it.
