The weight of expectation sits easily on the shoulders of John O'Mahony as befits a man companionable with success. Previous experience dictates that the Galway manager is not fazed by another Connacht final, this time against Roscommon in Tuam tomorrow.

The wandering minstrel has penned Connacht title triumphs with Mayo in 1988 and 1989 and Leitrim in 1994 and is therefore well versed with demands in terms of pressure and the quality required to ensure victory. He concedes that living in Ballaghaderreen, regarded as Roscommon for administrative purposes, but in a footballing context belonging to Mayo, outside the confines of Galway county has negated any feeling of pressure.

"Living outside the county, you don't meet the people on a daily basis so there isn't that constant reference to the team. But from talking to the players I think that they are heartened by the great goodwill within the county towards the football team. That hasn't always been there in recent years.

"The hurlers would have commanded greater support but this year the difference is noticeable. I don't think the players detect any huge pressure in terms of expectation, it's not a negative thing."

Since assuming control of Galway fortunes last year, O'Mahony has instilled a work ethic and attitude that has fostered success, emphasising the importance of the team unit rather than the composite skills of the individuals. Under his direction Galway largely thrived in the league stages before disappointing against Offaly in the quarter-finals.

That defeat would have scuppered any delusions, illustrating the scope for improvement required if championship success was to be attained. The opening assignment against Mayo, was a precarious hurdle both physically and psychologically. "That was a very tough match that tested the character of the team. It was an important game in the development of this team.

"The Leitrim match was obviously not a huge test. They just did not function on the day, so that match did not tell us a great deal." In the two matches several individuals have shone, notably Padraig Joyce and Niall Finnegan in the forward line. Joyce has displayed a remarkably maturity for a 21-yearold. Experience borne of two Sigerson Cup triumphs with Tralee have allowed him to mature quickly and wrest the mantle of Galway's inform and most influential forward from Dublin-based solicitor Finnegan. But it is the return to the team of Jarlath Fallon, injury free and having put aside his rugby commitments for the present, that could be the catalyst for success.

The former captain inspired Galway on their way to an All-Ireland semi-final, albeit one which ended in defeat against Tyrone, but many recall Fallon's performance when moved to midfield that day. He has long been Galway's most influential forward. O'Mahony enthused: "He's a great team member, someone who plays for the team.

"People may forget that it was Jarlath who dispossessed a Mayo player back in the half-back line that eventually led to Derek Savage's goal that day. But I have always maintained that it is not about individuals but a collective team unit. "The full forward line have been singled out for praise in print and they have scored well but they are just a single part of the process that is usually initiated by our defence. It's like the final part of a supply line. It doesn't matter who scores as the long as the chances are taken. Tomorrow it could be the half forwards turn to shine. I mean Thomas Mannion, our corner back, has scored two points.

"I think that is probably what has pleased me most since the start of the championship, the progress we have made as a unit. . . and the development of the team."

O'Mahony is aware of the pitfalls of favouritism choosing a lesson from recent history to illustrate a point. "In 1990 Galway beat Mayo and there was great celebration: Roscommon were not expected to provide anything more than token opposition but they won the final.

"This time we find ourselves in a similar situation. I would have been more confident before the replay against Sligo. I think that second game did a huge amount for Roscommon. There was a huge difference in the teamwork and understanding from the first day. They now have had two championship matches since we last played.

"I'm long enough in this game not to take anything for granted. Tomorrow will throw up a contest of two good footballing sides and hopefully an occasion worthy of a Connacht final."