GAA: A CASE OF WHO WANTS IT MOST.

Byline: Michael SCULLY Chief Sports Writer 

GIVEN their status as one of the top footballing powers, it's startling to think that Galway have not won the League since 1981.

The westerners have never put much emphasis on the competition, choosing to hold fire until the summer.

And while tomorrow's opponents Kerry would be of the same opinion, they have 17 League titles in the bag.

Galway's defeat of All-Ireland champions Tyrone might have had less to do with a change in attitudes in the county and more to do with the rivalry that has developed with Mickey Harte's side.

Once the summer comes, that gritty semi- final victory - after a replay - could represent something of pyschological advantage for John O'Mahony and his players.

It may also allay fears that they are too inconsistent to launch a serious assault on the championship.

The win prevented Tyrone going for a magnificent three-in-a-row, but it also represents something of a turnaround in Galway's fortunes.

They began the League campaign badly, and a shock defeat to Wexford appeared to end their hopes of reaching the play-offs. But with a large stroke of luck on the final day of their campaign they edged through.

One would imagine that Kerry have more in the tank, having seen off Limerick in the semis comfortably enough and having eased their way into the play-offs earlier.

Galway have had that extra game and both clashes with Tyrone would have taken quite a bit out of the Tribesmen, physically and mentally.

This game could have a similar edge. The last serious meeting between the sides was two years ago, when they clashed at the All-Ireland quarter-final stage.

Kerry were deserved victors on that occasion, and should be favourites again tomorrow.

And yet, it won't be easy for the Kingdom. Jack O'Connor, reaching a final in his first year in charge, has a major problem in that he is without his driving force in the attack.

Dara O Cinneide is ruled out by the Kerry management, who are reluctant to risk anyone with just three weeks to go to their championship opener against Clare.

Along with the suspension of Darragh O Se, Kerry are without two of their best men. O'Cinneide's absence leaves a gap that Johnny Crowley will have to fill at full-forward.

Crowley and Eamon Fitzmaurice have been recalled as O'Connor has decided to make a number of changes from the defeat of Limerick.

Eamon Fitzmaurice is named at centre-half back - his one-month ban elapses at midnight tonight - which allows Seamus Moynihan to switch to the left-half back slot with Marc O Se demoted to the bench.

With O Se out of the picture, it was decided that Eoin Brosnan would come back from the 40 to partner William Kirby in midfield, where his athleticism will help to counter Joe Bergin.

However, it will take a lot to stop Bergin, who was magificent in the semis.

A vacancy has been left in the half-forward line for Declan O'Sullivan to have a late test, but fortunately for the Kingdom Colm Cooper appears to have shaken off a groin problem.

It will be crucial for the Galway full-back line to shackle 'Gooch' and Mike Frank Russell - especially after Cooper ran them ragged two years ago.

In terms of the championship this may be shadow-boxing, but both sides will engage nonetheless.