Fallon out to defend Galway's crown

THE Sam Maguire hasn't bothered to find a home in Connacht for exactly 30 years, back to the days of Enda Colleran and his merry men. Galway football like other counties in the province has lived under a dark cloud of failure for three decades, desperately seeking the light.

Last year, a glimmer appeared on the horizon. Unheralded and with trumpets tacked away, Galway emerged from Connacht and, although eventually losing to Tyrone in the All Ireland semi final, trooped away from Croke Park with western pride very much intact. A couple of months later, Jarlath Fallon had an All Star award handed to him for good measure.

All Star. Captain. Full Forward. Postman. Just 23 years old, Fallon is a man of many parts. Crucial to the revival of Galway's football ambitions. Tomorrow Fallon fills the number 14 jersey for Galway against Sligo in Markievlez Park, a year after the elongated journey that finished in Croke Park in the autumn almost met a rocky end on its maiden voyage.

Twelve months ago, Galway, with just 50 or so supporters in tow, were somewhat fortunate to salvage a draw with Sligo in a first round match. Sligo, a side who hadn't beaten Galway in the championship in 20 years. Fallon remembers it as a strange game, I thought we were beaten." There was no mistake in the replay, though. And as Galway's run progressed, the entourage expanded.

So, even if Galway travel with a team considered to be under strength for tomorrow's Connacht championship engagement (with a semifinal joust with Leitrim next month the carrot for the winners), there will be no complacency in the camp. "We can't afford to underestimate Sligo. I have personal experience of losing to them in an under 21 championship two years ago, and their minors beat ours a couple of weeks ago. Sligo are not far away from having a very good team," says Fallon.

But he would rather if the favourites tag wasn't thrust at them. "I'd much prefer to the underdog, it is easier to rise to the occasion. I know it will be different this time, everyone will be out to get us. However, we are missing four or five quality players and that loss would affect any team.

He continues "You can't really replace the likes of Kevin Walsh. Or Val Daly. Sure Val has been Galway's best player for 10 years. A few young lads have come through, but it all depends on how things go on the day. All you can do is your best."

The trauma of injuries has been Galway's lot through the National League "Don't read too much into that," he reassures and, now, has followed them into the championship campaign.

Vet, preparations have progressed nicely since the advent of the long evenings. Bosco McDermott and Liam Sammon are great believers in using the ball in training Backs and forwards. Shooting. Kicking. Hand passing matches. And a few challenge matches thrown in for good measure. The adrenalin has started to flow, memories of last years run returning.

"I think the best process is far us to take one match at a time, like last year. Learn as we go along, increase our confidence," says Fallon. "The longer you are in the championship, the greater the belief. After all, it is only five matches. If you believe in your ability, then you can do it. As long as you get that bit of luck, as well."

Connacht teams have endured a lean spell as far as All Ireland football titles are concerned. Why? Fallon, for one, is convinced confidence or, rather, the lack of it has been the main contributory factor.

"On occasions, teams with enough ability have materialised but they haven't had the confidence to finish, I feel," says Fallon. "That has been Connacht football's problem."

"But it would be great to see a Connacht team win the All Ireland. Thirty years is too long a time to wait. If you think about it, Ulster football was in a similar state 10 years ago. And look at what they have achieved in recent years. That is inspiration to us.

"However, I think football standards have levelled off greatly with just one or perhaps two Ulster teams holding a slight edge and any team which comes out of Connacht is capable of going all the way now," says Fallon.

Will it be Galway? The protective mask of underdogs which accompanied them last year has been dispelled, whether they like it or not.

And tomorrow's encounter with Sligo will tell a tale or two about the side's prospects for 1996. One way or another, Jarlath Fallon, inspirer and creator, is likely to play an important role in the way that Galway defend their provincial crown.