Finnerty focussed on all the small things as Mayo loom

When Robert Finnerty emerged from the Athletic Grounds tunnel as a second-half substitute for Galway's round six match with Armagh, the threat of relegation was becoming more menacing.

Four points down, soon to be five when the Orchard County grabbed the first point after the break, the Tribesmen looked like they’d be relying on a final day showdown with Kerry to save their skin or, at best, would require other results to go their way.

But this Galway side is made of stern stuff and they overpowered their opponents in the second period before edging the Kingdom in a repeat of last year’s All-Ireland final. Relegation worries were replaced with the prospect of a first Division 1 title in 42 years when they face Mayo on Sunday at Croke Park.

The three-game run has similarities to that last league success back in 1981 when Barry Brennan captained the side to National League glory.

They defeated Armagh in the quarter-final, Kerry in the semi-final and it could have been Mayo in the decider too only they lost out to Connacht rivals Roscommon in the other last-four clash.

A small omen maybe, and perhaps another one lies in the fact that Wicklow won the Division 4 title that season. A few Galway fans may be cheering on the Garden County on Saturday evening against Sligo.

Buoyed by the direction their league campaign ultimately ended up taking, Finnerty is relishing the chance to return to the Croke Park sod for the first time since last year’s All-Ireland final loss to Kerry.

"Personally I think any chance you get to play in a final in a Croke Park is unreal," he said.

"I’m all for a league final whether you play first or second, it’s a great opportunity to get a run out in Croker in a big game, a big crowd, and it’ll add to your