By DARREN KELLY

NEW rules, new venues, new lights but the same ‘Top 4’ teams in Galway senior football are still standing as the race for the Frank Fox Cup reaches the penultimate round.

Even though not all had it straight forward in reaching this stage, the four favourites in this year’s championship race have all negotiated the round-robin series as group winners before coming through their respective quarter-finals.

And it’s the exact same card as played out iAT Tuam Stadium during daylight 12 months ago. Maigh Cuilinn edged Tuam Stars by one goal, while Corofin delivered a strong display against Salthill-Knocknacarra.

This time, the sequels move to Pearse Stadium for the first time under ‘Saturday Night Lights’ in Salthill. Will Corofin meet Maigh Cuilinn again in a third decider in succession, or can Tuam Stars or Salthill-Knocknacarra take their place on club football’s biggest day?

SATURDAY

Maigh Cuilinn vs Tuam Stars (Pearse Stadium, 5.45pm)

Maigh Cuilinn chase a fourth consecutive final appearance against last year’s beaten semi-finalists. While speculation surrounds Peter Cooke’s availability, manager Cathal Clancy is missing Fionn McDonagh (shoulder) from their 2-19 to 2-12 quarter-final success against Oughterard.

Tuam Stars report no new concerns and will hope captain Brian Mannion takes his place after missing the epic 1-21 to 0-17 extra-time win over Killannin. Conor Doherty also returns for manager David Donnellan as the Reds seek a first final appearance since 2019.

Maigh Cuilinn were Division 2 champions this year before wins over Bearna na Forbacha and Killannin were followed by a draw with St. James.’ Goals from Niall Walsh and Fiachra McDonagh were significant in their seven point win against Oughterard.

Tuam Stars, the Division 1 winners, are one of only two teams remaining with four wins from four as they overcame Claregalway, Dunmore MacHales and Annaghdown before Jamie Murphy’s goal in the added 20 minutes got them past Killannin.

Pierce Greally has proven his worth as Maigh Cuilinn keeper while half backs Sean O’Connor, Sean Kelly and David Wynne can match any opposition. Dessie Conneely (2-27) is the championship top scorer, supported by Walsh (1-13), Fiachra McDonagh (3-7) and Johnny Moloney (0-9).

Tuam Stars have been solid in defence led by Dara O’Ruairc and Dara Heneghan down the spine, complemented by Brian and Gary O’Donnell, Rory O’Connor and Cian Mitchell.  Mannion’s (0-14) is needed in attack along with Luke Davin (3-5), Jack Grugan (1-9) and Murphy (1-8).

Both goalkeepers are solid with Tuam’s Darragh Forkan producing saves from Killannin duo Patrick Sweeney and Kento O’Connor the last day. With O’Ruairc and Dara Heneghan likely to pick up Walsh and Fiachra McDonagh, one of the O’Donnell’s is bound to monitor Conneely, and the other Molone.  Maigh Cuilinn’s Paul Kelly can’t be ignored either.

Ger Davoren and Tom Clarke bring experience to Maigh Cuilinn’s midfield and that can give them the edge against Conor Heneghan, and either Jack Cryan, Ronan Colleran or Galway panellist Shay McGlinchey.

Tuam Stars also have options in attack though Murphy’s potential showdown with Sean Kelly looks the decisive match up.  Davin and Cormac McWalter can test opposing corner backs Aidan Claffey and Eoghan Kelly; Grugan should have Mike Moughan for company; Ben O’Connell might keep Wynne occupied.

There should be little between them again like 2024 when Neil Mulcahy’s goal was the difference  Himself, Mark Brady and Eoin McGuire as just some of the options available to Maigh Cuilinn, while Darragh Cunningham, Cryan and Colleran are the potential impact players for Tuam Stars.

Playing in Salthill will suit Maigh Cuilinn slightly and in 13 games this season (league and championship), they remain unbeaten and that momentum could bring them back to the final.

Verdict: Maigh Cuilinn

Corofin vs Salthill-Knocknacarra

(Pearse Stadium, 7.30pm)

Two teams the new attacking rules were designed for. Corofin and Salthill-Knocknacarra go head-to-head after demonstrating their firepower in their respective quarter-finals.

Following league final defeat to Tuam Stars, questions were being asked about Corofin as wins over Monivea-Abbey and Naomh Anna Leitir Moir came along with a draw against Milltown. They were ruthless in pulling apart Dunmore MacHales (2-20 to 0-10) two weeks ago.

Salthill-Knocknacarra also fell to Tuam Stars in the league semi-final. But even having to survive without some of their county personnel, they accounted for Mountbellew-Moylough, Oughterard and St. Michael’s, before pulling clear from St. James’ (5-15 to 0-17) the last day.

The returns of Patrick Egan and Ian Burke, after a four year hiatus, showed the strength Gary Delaney’s squad possesses as Ross Coen and Dylan Canney didn’t start. Bernard Power has reclaimed the goalkeeping jersey, with Conor Carson, Cathal and Liam Silke in front of him.

Corofin’s middle eight look dangerous led by Gavin Burke, Dylan McHugh and Darragh Silke. Conor Cunningham, Kieran Molloy, Ciarán Brady, Egan and Jason Leonard can also feed an inside line of Jack McCabe, Micheal Lundy and Ian Burke.

Salthill-Knocknacarra boss Finian Hanley could field all six Galway seniors for the first time in 2025 after Tomo Culhane came off the bench against St. James’. Most will play attacking roles ahead of keeper Donal O’Sullivan and Galway under-20s Dara Conneely and Mark Mannion.

Cathal Sweeney can push forward from wing back with John Maher partnering Michael Kitt in midfield. Robert Finnerty (2-3), Matthew Thompson (1-6), Robert Walzer (0-8), Charlie Power (0-7) and Daniel O’Flaherty (0-6) can tally while top scorer Evan Nolan (2-5) didn’t start the quarter-final.

Both keepers provide experience while it’ll be interesting if Liam Silke or Carson picks up Finnerty. Corofin number six Cunningham versus Thompson is must see, while O’Flaherty will be watched by McHugh. Brady and Egan combined can ensure an equal sharing with Maher and co.

Darragh Silke (2-8) and Leonard (1-9) are Corofin’s top scorers while Gavin Burke may sacrifice his game to curtail Sweeney.  Conneely might monitor Burke while Salthill-Knocknacarra full back Evan Wynne will have his hands full with Lundy.

Canney scored 1-2 in last year’s 1-11 to 0-5 semi-final victory between the same sides and must be in contention to return to the first 15. That paltry total from their opponents, shared by Finnerty and Culhane, must hurt.

But while a higher scoring spectacle, and closer difference, is expected, Corofin swatted many people’s dark horses to get back to this stage in their 13-point trouncing of Dunmore MacHales. Salthill-Knocknacarra beat St. James’ by the same margin but 3-4 was struck in the final quarter.

Verdict: Corofin

Pictured: Paul Collins of Tuam Stars is chased by Maigh Cuilinn’s Dessie Conneely during last year’s County Senior Football semi-final. The teams clash again at the same stage of the championship at Pearse Stadium on Saturday.