London forward Mark Gottsche admits that they face a mammoth task against Galway in the Connacht SFC, but added that it was a challenge the Exiles were relishing.

Ciaran Deely’s charges have known for some time that they would be facing the Connacht champions in the opening round of the provincial campaign.

Home advantage is some consolation for London, but they will still be expected to succumb to a Galway side with genuine designs on winning an All-Ireland title.

However, Gottsche who is a Galway native admitted to the Irish Post that facing his home county will add to the occasion.

“It’s a game we will all look forward to but it’s extra special for me. We have the league to look forward to first and when we start back in training I’m sure the focus will be to try and improve on last year,” said Gottsche.

“It’s a big challenge, but you want to be playing against the top players. That’s the clear incentive for myself and the younger members of the group.”

He added: “The start of the Connacht championship is a big occasion in Ruislip for the Irish community in London and Galway would be one of the main counties affected by emigration over the past 50-60 years. So there will be a big contingent here supporting them and I expect plenty from Galway to travel as well.”

Be sure to follow the hoganstand.com match tracker on Sunday afternoon for live updates from the club championships.

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