Sligo boss Cathal Corey says the result was of secondary importance in last night’s season opener against Galway in the Connacht FBD League.
Sligo lost out by 1-12 to 0-11 to the Tribesmen in difficult conditions at the Connacht GAA Centre, but were competitive throughout in an entertaining contest.
Corey handed senior intercounty debuts to a number of youngsters, while also getting the chance to see some of his charges in action for the first time.
And he was pleased with what he saw…
Galway boss Kevin Walsh admitted the conditions were tough for both sides, but said it was a useful workout for both counties…
An youthful Leitrim side suffered a defeat to neighbours Roscommon, losing out by 2-14 to 1-3 in Annaduff.
Brendan Gallagher got the Leitrim goal, while Diarmuid Murtagh and Finbar Cregg were the goalscorers for Roscommon.
Round two of the competition takes place on Sunday, with Leitrim hosting Sligo in Ballinamore at 2pm.
That game will be live on Ocean FM.
Meanwhile, only three of Mayo’s team from last year’s All-Ireland Final defeat to Dublin will be available for the competition – because most of last season’s panel are on holidays in Malaysia.
Footballer of the Year Andy Moran, goalkeeper David Clarke and midfielder Barry Moran are available to manager Stephen Rochford.
The rest of the panel is made up by fringe players and last year’s under-21 team.
Mayo face Galway in Castlebar on Sunday.
FBD Insurance Connacht GAA Senior Football League 2018
| Home Team | Away Team | Date | Time | Round | Venue | Referee |
| Leitrim 1-3 | Roscommon 2-14 | 3/1/2018 | 19:00 | Round 1 | Leitrim GAA Centre of Excellence, Annaduff | John Gilmartin |
| Sligo 0-11 | Galway 1-12 | 3/1/2018 | 19:00 | Round 1 | Connacht GAA Centre | Jerome Henry |
| Leitrim | Sligo | 7/1/2018 | 14:00 | Round 2 | Ballinamore | James Molloy |
| Mayo | Galway | 7/1/2018 | 14:00 | Round 2 | Elverys MacHale Park, Castlebar | Paddy Neilan |
| Mayo | Leitrim | 10/1/2018 | 19:00 | Round 3 | Elverys MacHale Park, Castlebar | Shane Hehir |
| Roscommon | Sligo | 10/1/2018 | 19:00 | Round 3 | Kiltoom | Paul Lydon |
| Roscommon | Mayo | 14/1/2018 | 14:00 | Round 4 | Dr Hyde Park | Martin Flaherty |
| Galway | Leitrim | 14/1/2018 | 14:00 | Round 4 | Clonbur GAA Club | Barry Judge |
| Galway | Roscommon | 21/1/2018 | 14:00 | Round 5 | Tuam Stadium | Liam Devenney |
| Sligo | Mayo | 21/1/2018 | 14:00 | Round 5 | Tbc | Eamon O Grady |
| Top Team in Group | Runner up in Group | 28/1/2018 | 14:00 | Final | Tbc |
