LOOKING FORWARD . . . Galway manager Liam Sammon will lead his side into championship action for the first time in Sunday's Pearce Stadium clash with Roscommon. Photo: Paul Mohan / SPORTSFILE

None of the experts seem to be able to see past Kerry, but with the 2008 All-Ireland football championship season already upon us, it's up to the contenders to step up to the formidable standards achieved by the Kingdom.

After a promising league campaign, Galway begin their challenge on Sunday with a Pearse Stadium opener against Roscommon.

Galway boss Liam Sammon has plenty of talent to call upon, but the key failing of recent Galway teams has been the inability to transfer this promise into performances in the big games.

One player who has proven himself in the biggest matches of all is Padraic Joyce and Galway fans will have been delighted to see the Killererin star's league performances underline that his inter-county career is far from over.

Sammon is under no illusions as to the impact the former All-Star can have on his side. "His influence is just huge, it's really hard to quantify. The man's enthusiasm has never waned, he's amazing."

Despite the positive league form shown by the footballers, most of the talk around Galway in recent weeks has been about the hurlers' chances of going all the way this summer.

Sammon though, is happy to deflect the attention: "I've no problem staying out of the limelight, I'd prefer to get the limelight after we win something."

For their part, Roscommon will be delighted to put this year's league behind them, as their frustrating campaign - which brought about the resignation of manager John Maughan - culminated in relegation from Division 2.

However, new boss Michael Ryan will undoubtedly bring to the table the enthusiasm and determination he showed as a player and Sammon is notably wary of the challenge facing his side on Sunday.

"Galway have always struggled against Roscommon. Whatever it is, Roscommon seem to rise themselves against us. They've a new manager and a new buzz about them, and they're coming down here with nothing to lose."

There is a real sense of excitement in the voice of Galway's boss as a new campaign dawns but Sammon is realistic about his aspirations in what is his first year in charge.

"Obviously, I want to bring us as far as possible but to be honest, for me, it's all about getting over Roscommon."

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