It’s all on the line

CHRISTMAS may be just around the corner and the GAA season winding to a close around the country, yet in Galway, Sunday will be a day of huge importance. Indeed, it’s hard to recall when two such high-profile local fixtures were played on the same afternoon.
Pearse Stadium will host the second instalment in the County Senior Hurling Championship final between Craughwell and Sarsfields. Meanwhile the biggest club match in the province, and the game of the day nationally, will take place up the N17 at Tuam Stadium as reigning Connacht and All-Ireland champions Corofin renew rivalries with Castlebar Mitchels, the last team to defeat them in championship football (throw-in 2.00pm).
It’s a game loaded with sub-plots, bringing together the best teams in the province and two of the frontline contenders to pick up the Andy Merrigan Cup next March.