Galway will bid on Sunday to end the county’s longest period without an All-Ireland minor football title since the first one was annexed over half a century ago. 

Since then titles were captured in 1960 (v Cork), ’70 (Kerry), ’76 (Cork) and in 1986 when the late John Joyce skippered them to success over the Leesiders.

Derry are bidding for their fifth title with their initial win coming in 1965 being followed by victories in 1983 and ’89, while they last lifted the title five years ago when they defeated Meath.

Galway’s credentials are defined going into this decider by virtue of the fact they defeated both of last year’s finalists en route to the showdown with Derry.

The win over reigning champions Roscommon laid down a marker but it was the manner in which they dismissed a highly fancied Kerry side in a superb All-Ireland semi-final which suggests they are poised to go all the way.

Galway have natural leaders in the likes of Paul Conroy, John O’Brien, Michael Martin, Damien Reddington and Tommy Walsh.

Sunday’s showdown also brings two very promising young managers into opposition with Alan Mulholland coming into battle with Derry’s Niall Conway.

Meanwhile, Mulholland’s Salthill-Knocknacarra colleague Liam Sammon, who was ratified as manager of the county senior team last Wednesday, says he does not intend a big clear-out of players as he bids to bring All-Ireland glory back to the Tribesmen.

And Sammon said that veterans such as Ja Fallon, Padraig Joyce, Declan Meehan and Derek Savage still had a lot to contribute to Galway football.