Weekend GAA previews: Meath to get back to winning ways against Cork
SATURDAY.
All-Ireland SFC, Round 1.
Group 1.
Donegal v Tyrone, MacCumhaill Park, 7pm (M. McNally, Monaghan) Live GAA+.
Normally, Donegal and Tyrone would command the undivided attention of each other, but Tyrone could be forgiven for having one eye on Mayo in Omagh next weekend. They were the last team in championship to break through Fortress Ballybofey but never on Jim McGuinness's watch. McGuinness could also be forgiven for thinking ahead seeing as Cork beat them in Round 2 after Donegal's one-week turnaround last year. Shaun Patton's injury aside, Donegal should have enough in the tank to stave off a quickly-improving Tyrone. Verdict: Donegal.
Group 2.
Meath v Cork, Páirc Tailteann, 3pm (N. Mooney, Cavan).
If there are victors here, they are likely to be through to the knock-out stages and the question is just how much did the Leinster final disappointment take out of Meath. Matthew Costello's goal aside, they were out of ideas for a large part of the second half.
Cork had their own heartache against Kerry but have had plenty of time to park it. They have their first choice full-back line restored too but the absence of Brian Hurley can't go unnoticed and The Royals, for all their shyness in Croke Park last Sunday week, have plenty of attack options. Meath can get back to winning ways quicker. Verdict: Meath.
Group 3.
Louth v Monaghan, Cedral St Conleth's Park, 4.45pm (B. Cawley, Kildare) Live GAA+.
As several of the Louth team have said, the Leinster final was their All-Ireland so naturally almost everything that follows is going to pale in comparison. Refocusing themselves for this game will be difficult as much as confidence should be flowing through Ger Brennan's camp. It's been more than suggested that Monaghan were the biggest victors in the draw but now they have to start proving it and backing up their solid first half to the season. Verdict: Monaghan.
Group 4.
Armagh v Derry, Box-It Athletic Grounds, 5pm (S. Hurson, Tyrone).
The time between losing that provincial preliminary round game and this trip to Armagh city has probably given Paddy Tally his most important stretch with his Derry side. He was chasing his tail in pre-season as a late appointee but this break will have helped no end and cleared up several injuries too. So it should be a more formidable Derry side that take on the Ulster runners-up but Armagh are old hat at recovering from such setbacks and on their own turf are even fiercer. Verdict: Armagh.
Joe McDonagh Cup, Round 5.
Carlow v Laois, Netwatch Cullen Park, 2pm (C. Flynn, Westmeath).
A de facto semi-final, which should draw a good crowd to Carlow town. Both have shown great flashes throughout their campaigns but both were also humbled by Kildare, Laois the latest to feel their sting last weekend. Had Laois won in Portlaoise, they were in the final and for that aspiration to slip away now would knock them back considerably. Mark Kavanagh was in mean form with 3-12 against Westmeath last weekend and Carlow can rack up big scores. Calling this one is brutally difficult but Carlow may just shade it. Verdict: Carlow.
Kildare v Down, Cedral St Conleth's Park, 2pm (B. Keon, Galway).
Down won't be pushed over here seeing as they need a point to be sure of retaining their McDonagh status. A point is unlikely to enough for Kildare to qualify for the final but they have plenty of wind in their sails after three straight wins and can add a fourth but it should be tight. Verdict: Kildare.
Kerry v Westmeath, Austin Stack Park, 2pm (N. Malone, Clare).
A difficult season for both counties and Kerry also find themselves in relegation bother after letting a lead slip against Down last weekend. Westmeath are bound to fight with everything they got but each team simply haven't been scoring enough. Kerry to summon their best display of the season to stay up. Verdict: Kerry.
Lory Meagher Cup semi-final.
Monaghan v New York, TEG Cusack Park, 1pm (A. Tierney, Tipperary).
A real threat of a mismatch here and there is some justification in Monaghan's complaints about New York's bye to this stage. A team featuring former Cork player Seán O'Leary-Hayes and ex-Galway star and New York vice-chairman Johnny Glynn won't be beaten. Verdict: New York.
Electric Ireland All-Ireland MHC quarter-finals.
Clare v Dublin, FBD Semple Stadium, 2pm (C. Doyle, Tipperary).
Verdict: Clare.
Wexford v Limerick, FBD Semple Stadium, 4pm (C. O'Donovan, Tipperary).
Verdict: Limerick.
Glen Dimplex All-Ireland senior camogie championship, Round 1.
Group 1.
Clare v Wexford, Zimmer Biomet Páirc Chíosóg, 2pm (C. McAllister, Cork).
Only Antrim got the better of Clare in Division 1B this year and they can pick up another win over Wexford in Ennis. Verdict: Clare.
Cork v Limerick, Páirc Uí Rinn, 4pm (J. Mullins, Clare).
Cork sure wouldn't have minded a Munster final before commencing their All-Ireland pursuit but they shouldn't have too much trouble claiming the points. Verdict: Cork.
Group 2.
Derry v Kilkenny, Owenbeg, 2pm (B. Kearney, Kildare).
Derry were beaten in this year's Division 2 final and while it's a long journey for Kilkenny they should start as they mean to go on. Verdict: Kilkenny.
Galway v Dublin, Kenny Park, 4pm (L. Dempsey, Kilkenny).
Dublin are licking their wounds from relegation never mind a Leinster semi-final loss to Kilkenny, and Galway will be expected to win if not with too much ease in Athenry. Verdict: Galway.
SUNDAY
Munster SHC, Round 5.
Cork v Waterford, SuperValu Páirc Uí Chaoimh, 4pm (J. Murphy, Limerick) Live RTÉ.
It comes down to this for Cork but if anybody is thinking this is a safety net after last Sunday's fall, they have another thing coming. Waterford are sick and tired of all their hurling being played over just four months of the year and they will come with a bang to Leeside.
Yes, Dessie Hutchinson is not playing as well as we know he can and there is an over-dependence on Jamie Barron and Stephen Bennett but there is an honesty about this Waterford side that is easy to admire. Their good defensive record will be stretched here though and if Conor Prunty seems well-matched for Brian Hayes, it's not certain that Waterford have somebody equipped to take on Alan Connolly if he is in the mood.
The big question for Cork is in their half-back line where Rob Downey will be missed. Cormac O'Brien performed well when he came on against Limerick but the awareness of Mark Coleman and Ciarán Joyce has to be much better, especially when they will have Barron buzzing around them. Brian Roche and Tim O'Mahony can help out there too and this latest midfield partnership will be expected to break forward as well.
Cork have their seasoned men Coleman, O'Mahony, Darragh Fitzgibbon and Patrick Horgan but it can't be understated the assuredness the return of Seamus Harnedy brings to the team. If Cork don't get it all their own way early on and anxiety from the crowd spills onto the pitch, he can bring that bit of serenity. Waterford know it's a tall order to claim a first-ever senior championship win in Páirc Uí Chaoimh. They need their x-factor men to deliver but even if their powers are on show, Cork's tidal power at home will overwhelm them. Verdict: Cork.
Limerick v Clare, TUS Gaelic Grounds, 4pm (T. Walsh, Waterford).
The absence of live TV cameras but also the deep affection in Limerick for this team of theirs means over 33,000 will be in attendance here. That's not to forget the Clare following who will want to show their appreciation to a group of players who gave them so much joy last year.
Inter-county futures won't be decided here but do the likes of John Conlon and Shane O'Donnell really want to finish their fine careers in a dead rubber? Clare will be back but for now Limerick won't mind rubbing some salt into the wounds while anticipating The Banner won't go without putting up a fight.
It's a chance for a couple of Limerick players to stake a claim for a Munster final place too. On the basis of last Sunday, you wouldn't change a team about their team but form is temporary and John Kiely will want the rod sharpened for a potential second bout with Cork. Verdict: Limerick.
Leinster SHC, Round 6.
Dublin v Galway, Parnell Park, 2pm (C. Lyons, Cork) Live RTÉ.
A fascinating game in store and it's clear the amount of work Niall Ó Ceallacháin has done with his charges. Sure, he might have been double-jobbing with Na Fianna for several months but Dublin look a well-coached side. They were the same last year under current Galway manager Micheál Donoghue and there is every chance Dublin can reign again especially when Donnycarney makes them two inches taller.
This being the third game in as many weekends, the resources of each group will be tested but Galway had it so easy against a distracted Antrim while Dublin are coming off a grueller against Kilkenny and maybe they don't just yet have that depth. That's not to say Galway are flooded with talent but they have old dogs for the hard road on the field and the bench. Since the loss to Kilkenny, Galway have been a different side. A point here will get them to Croke Park on Sunday fortnight. Verdict: Draw.
Offaly v Antrim, Glenisk O'Connor Park, 2pm (M. Kennedy, Tipperary) Live GAA+.
Backed into the corner, it's at times like these that Davy Fitzgerald exhibits his best. Sambo McNaughton's comments during the week will have hardened his resolve to get one mighty effort from Antrim. They have a couple of forwards back including James McNaughton.
A bit of the pep in Offaly's step has been lost in recent weeks and the commitment to the league and early part of the championship has taken a lot out of them. They too can pull out a big performance but if Antrim are able to harness a siege mentality, they can go the distance. Verdict: Antrim.
Wexford v Kilkenny, Chadwicks Wexford Park, 2pm (S. Stack, Clare).
A nothing game for either team and there will be pressure on Keith Rossiter in the coming weeks after the defeats in Dublin and Galway. Wexford will want to go out on a high but even if Kilkenny are slightly experimental, they should be too good for them. Verdict: Kilkenny.
Try Our AI Features
Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:
Comments
No comments yet...
Related Articles
RTÉ News
an hour ago
- RTÉ News
RTÉ GAA Podcast: Big names to fall in football championship - but which ones?
Nigel Dunne joins Jacqui Hurley and Rory O'Neill to look ahead to the final weekend of the All-Ireland Championship group stages. One of Dublin, Galway or Derry is heading out, while Mayo face a battle for championship survival. Will Meath finally provide Kerry with a true test this summer, and can Leinster Champions Louth avoid an early exit? Follow a live blog on the All-Ireland Football Championship on Saturday on and the RTÉ News app. Listen to updates on Saturday Sport on RTÉ Radio 1. Watch highlights on The Saturday Game at 9.30pm. Watch an All-Ireland Football Championship double-header, Monaghan v Down and Donegal v Mayo, on Sunday from 1.30pm. Follow a live blog on and the RTÉ News app. Listen to updates on Sunday Sport on RTÉ Radio 1. Watch highlights on The Sunday Game at 9.30pm.
Irish Times
an hour ago
- Irish Times
Tactical analysis: Aerial dominance and nous in final third will prove pivotal in decisive football weekend
It has been hard to gauge exactly where everyone stands in the race for Sam Maguire , but all should be clearer after the final round of group games this weekend, where every match has something at stake. One of the key aspects of the final round is the fact that teams have two weeks of preparation time. That leaves plenty of time to identify opposition strengths and weaknesses. It is very hard to call the games as we head into the weekend. Games are taking on a life of their own as teams try to make the new rules work best for them. It has led to some thrilling games and no shortage of drama. Three of the biggest games are Dublin v Derry and Armagh v Galway on Saturday, and Mayo v Donegal on Sunday, so let's take a look at some of the strengths of each of the six teams. READ MORE Mayo As Mayo approach Donegal in a do-or-die game, they will be hoping the kickout zone will be as profitable for them as it was against Tyrone . Mayo opted to go long for all of Colm Reape's 16 kickouts and managed to secure possession on 12 out of 16 (75 per cent). Mayo scored 1-6 from these 12 won, while Tyrone scored 1-1 from their four won. Mayo would have been happy with their five-point profit from their own kickout. It would be easy to look at these figures in isolation and say that Mayo were excellent at the breaking ball zone, but interestingly, they won three of these kickouts as a result of Tyrone fouls in the air, trying to shield the ball through. In the absence of Tyrone's Brian Kennedy, it would have made sense for Reape to avoid Conn Kilpatrick, but going right down his throat was an aspect of Mayo's play that showed bravery and a willingness to fight. They made sure Kilpatrick won nothing clean, through subtle and not-so-subtle contact on the Edendork man in the air. They were also ravenous on the breaking ball, often with two men at the front of the break. Mayo worked hard to get men around the breaking ball in the landing zone. Mayo tried to curb the influence of Conn Kilpatrick by stopping him getting off the ground. Additionally, Mayo showed a strong hand on the Niall Morgan kickout, winning nine out of 12 (75 per cent) that were sent long. Over the course of the encounter across kickouts in both directions, that is a staggering 21/28 (75 per cent) of the long kickouts won by Mayo. This really indicated their hunger for the battle. However, Mayo also managed to put Tyrone under severe pressure on their short kickouts, as Tyrone only returned 0-3 from their 12 short kickouts won. Mayo even managed to spoil one short one, as Davitt Neary turned over Shea O'Hare when Morgan didn't get his kickout wide enough. Mayo also smartly fouled the first receiver on the Tyrone kickout on three occasions, allowing all the Mayo bodies behind to reset. In further emphasising this cuteness, they managed to not concede a 50m penalty on any of these. Overall, Mayo scored 0-6 from the Tyrone kickout, with Malachy O'Rourke's men only managing a point more than that, 0-7. Mayo managed to force lots of pressure on the Tyrone kickout, even when they went short, such as Davitt Neary turning over Shea O'Hare on this kickout. The big question as Mayo head for Dr Hyde Park to face Donegal is whether they can replicate such a performance on the kickout. Donegal are unlikely to be as profligate if they get hands on ball on their own short kickouts and there is the added risk of goalkeeper Shaun Patton – if he's back – going over the break zone. Donegal With their Atlantic coastline, Donegal are used to waves. When they get their running game going from deep, those waves can be hard to stop. Two scores before half-time against Cavan , initiated from defensive turnovers that led to 1-1 at the far end of the field, highlighted this strength. The first score started as Eoghán Bán Gallagher intercepted a loopy Cavan handpass, then Donegal attacked in unison as the ball went through hands of both Ciaran Moore and Peadar Mogan, with Ryan McHugh also ahead of the ball, before a Cavan foul - Patrick McBrearty scored the resultant free. Then a turnover and a powerful Finbarr Roarty burst started from behind where the ball was turned over and ended with him palming the ball to the net, as he left the tracking Cavan men in his wake. This sent Donegal into half-time on a high after a lot of good Cavan work in that opening half was wiped out. In the first half, Donegal scored 1-6 (including a two-pointer) from the 10 possessions that originated behind their 45m line, eight from turnovers on Cavan and another two short kickouts from Gavin Mulreany. Donegal's Finbarr Roarty started his run from behind where the turnover occurred. And it ended with Roarty palming the ball to the net. This relentless efficiency from ball originating inside their own 45m line continued in the second half, as another seven turnovers and a short kickout led to a further 2-3. Donegal by the end of the game scored 3-9 from the 19 attacks that originated inside their own 45. This is a warning to Mayo to make sure that they don't allow Donegal to get possession in this area, as the punishment will be more severe than what Tyrone served up. Dublin Armagh got a lot of credit coming out of Croke Park two Sundays ago , but equally Dublin were nowhere near as bad as it was portrayed. It is easy to point to the missed efforts, as Dublin hit 16/37 efforts (43 per cent), and there was also the uncharacteristic three-up breaches. Dublin will have come away from the game very happy with how they set up on Ethan Rafferty's kickouts. With their zonal approach, they forced Rafferty to try to execute high-risk kicks into pockets of space. Dublin's zonal press meant Ethan Rafferty was occasionally forced to go wide with his kicks. Dublin's zonal press here forces Rafferty to make a risky chip into a congested area. Dublin won 15/33 (45 per cent) of the Armagh kickout, but they didn't convert this strength to the scoreboard. Rafferty is really accomplished at striking the ball and this zonal set-up may yield better dividends for Dublin in Newry. Ethen Rafferty getting off a perfect kickout in Croke Park - Dublin's press may yield better returns against someone not as accomplished as Rafferty. Derry Are Derry getting back to being the side that promised so much in recent years? Not quite, but some of their key players are back performing at a high level and others are delivering high-energy performances. Niall Loughlin was one of these, but so was Conor Glass. The Glen man was back to his best, as he scored 1-3, assisted 0-3 and secondary assisted another 0-2. That is a direct impact on 1-8 of Derry's scores. His awareness of space and ability to manipulate the Galway defence shows a man at the top of his game. Derry create the space to allow Conor Glass take up a scoring position. For the second backdoor cut, Derry manipulate the space by moving eight players inside the 20m line while Conor Glass assesses the space around him. Having moved backwards before making his run, Glass then advances with his teammates smartly keeping their shape to afford him space. Glass was on hand in the clutch moments when Derry needed leaders. After Galway's first goal, he was there to palm the ball to the back of the net. He was a key man again after Galway's fourth goal, as he slipped John Maher (who was specifically detailed to mark him when Derry were in possession) with a backdoor cut to set up the Derry equaliser. However, it is not necessarily these on-the-ball actions where he is most influential for the team. He was marauding around the field, making his presence felt at the tackle zone as he imposed himself physically on Galway. It is often hard to get a true gauge of the defensive output of a player, but he was involved in turnovers, tackles and slowing attacks throughout the encounter. On two occasions, with Cillian McDaid in the first half and Jack Glynn in the second half, his ferocity in the tackle led to a break in play as the Galway men required medical attention. His contact and tackle technique as Seán Kelly attacked the goal during the Galway resurgence contributed to the defensive display. Armagh Armagh have shown really strong attacking creativity over the past number of years. The basketball influence of Kieran Donaghy along with the thirst for innovation in the management when it comes to finding an extra percent advantage is always evident. Armagh showed a number of excellent screens in the encounter at Croke Park which helped to unlock the Dublin defence. One particular screen, by Rory Grugan on Sean MacMahon in the 24th minute, allowed Andrew Murnin glide in for a shot at goal. It brought Stephen Cluxton into action with a great save. The ease of cutting through the Dublin defence really highlighted the power of such screens. Armagh do this regularly and to great effect. Rory Grugan screen creates space for Andrew Murnin to move into - the effort on goal was saved by Stephen Cluxton. A closer image of Armagh's Rory Grugan creating the space for Andrew Murnin. The Orchard county were lauded last year for their attacking innovation in terms of set plays and while the game has become faster with the new rules, they are still able to manufacture them and execute. One such attack took place in the 16th minute. Éamonn Fitzmaurice on RTÉ correctly identified that Dublin stayed zonal as Armagh tried to set up an overload in attack. After Armagh probed the weak side, they quickly transferred the ball back to the other side of the pitch through Oisín Conaty and Grugan shot a controlled two-pointer. Kieran McGeeney has recently described Grugan as 'one of the best players I've ever seen'. Stopping the Ballymacnab man will be top of Galway manager Pádraic Joyce's priority list this weekend. Rory Grugan signals for Armagh to create the move - they have succeeded in setting up setplays this season despite the game being faster. After probing one side, Oisín Conaty switches the ball across the pitch with a kick to Rory Grugan in space. Galway There are many moving parts with Galway. If consistency and cohesion arrives, they will be very hard to stop. The question is how does that consistency and cohesion materialise? Joyce will be hoping to have his best players on the field, but he will also be looking to have the players on the field who enable those stars to function. As was mentioned with Conor Glass, he makes such an impact off the ball and is unselfish in his actions. Can Galway get a similar return from their on-ball stars? One thing we know for sure is that this Galway set-up is a cut-throat environment. The game against Derry finished with Paul Conroy, Cillian McDaid and Shane Walsh all watching from the bench. There are not many teams that can leave players of their quality on the line and stage a comeback like the Tribesmen did. Armagh have already qualified for the next phase but any question of this being a soft fixture is nonsense. The Galway v Armagh rivalry has become one of the best in the country. If past evidence is anything to go by, a one-score game is likely to materialise. It could go either way in Breffni Park. Analysing an opposition on one game is layered with danger as there is so much individual context to a one-off game. What materialised in the round-two fixtures is unlikely to be an indicator of what happens in the round-three games. The matches are so variable and unpredictable at the moment, swinging wildly based on how teams set up for the opposition and how the opposition sets up for them. This is great news for supporters, but it also means management and analysis teams are second guessing everything. Paul O'Brien is a performance analyst with The Performance Process.
Irish Examiner
7 hours ago
- Irish Examiner
Nine big questions ahead of a blockbuster weekend of Sam Maguire Series drama
There are eight seismic fixtures taking place in the final round of the Sam Maguire group stages. It also signals the end of this current system. The group phase will be abolished after this year with a new qualifier-style format in place next year. Several intercounty managers have criticised this move, which was voted on at Congress last February. Was it the right call? This is just one of many big questions ahead of a blockbuster weekend. Should we get rid of this format? All-Ireland winning manager Kieran McGeeney is adamant that the GAA made the wrong move. Galway boss Pádraic Joyce and Wicklow's Oisín McConville have said similar. 'It is great this year,' agreed former Mayo manager James Horan on the Irish Examiner's Gaelic football podcast. 'Everything seems to be working right this year, with rules and everything else. It is all combining and working out ok. Should we get rid of it? If you take this year on its own, you would say no but what were we saying this time last year or the year before that? Too many games etc. Overall, the sample size of one year isn't enough to make a decision. Changing it might be the right play.' Next year, the last 16 will play in a Round 1 with provincial finals and league positions still determining placings. They will then be divided into Round 2A and 2B. Armagh manager Kieran McGeeney feels the GAA made the wrong move with the current format. File picture: Ryan Byrne/Inpho The eight Round 1 winners will comprise Round 2A with the victors advancing to the All-Ireland quarter-finals. The losers will meet the winners of the losers' stage in Round 2B to fill the remain four places in the last eight. 'I would get rid of it,' agreed Paul Rouse on the Examiner podcast. 'I think it's worth trying the new one.' How will Cork defend? Roscommon's front six against Meath was frightening. Dylan Ruane, Ciaráin Murtagh, Enda Smith, Diarmuid Murtagh, Daire Cregg and Ben O'Carroll all started and scored. Cork must combat that threat. Enda Smith didn't have a shot in his previous two games against Galway or Kerry but he caught fire in Dr Hyde Park, kicking three two-pointers from four attempts. Ben O'Carroll is their leading assister in championship as well as scoring 1-10 from play. They are the priority. 'Traditionally I was man-on-man everywhere; it evolved over time,' said Horan. Cork will take on Roscommon in Round 3 of the All-Ireland SFC. File picture: Tom Beary/Sportsfile 'I haven't coached with the new rules yet but in games in the past we had very good man-markers to go specific on an influential player for the opposition. But players are so smart now, they go ahead of the ball, get their marker and pull him out past the ball to create little zones for players to run through. 'If I'm centre-half back and Ben O'Carroll is there, running out away from the ball where you know he isn't really a shooting risk even if he gets the play, I am not moving away from the direction of the ball. On those occasions, you let him go and hold strong.' Do Kerry need to chase two-pointers? After a league lacking in orange flags, Kerry kicked seven two-pointers last time out. Plenty of that was due to officiating and two-point frees. From play, they converted three of six attempts. Meath consistently shoot from outside the arc, converting five against Roscommon. Don't expect Kerry to go chasing them, but they will create opportunities for David Clifford and Sean O'Shea. Who is the leading contender for Player of the Year? The current favourite remains David Clifford or his brother, Paudie. Michael Murphy is nearby. That says as much about their All-Ireland ambitions as it does their form. Right now, as we begin to move towards knockout football, who else has impressed? 'Conor Glass for the sheer majesty of his performance against Galway,' said Rouse. Once again, Kingdom talisman David Clifford is one of the hot favourites to be crowned the Player of the Year. File picture: David Fitzgerald/Sportsfile James Horan went for Armagh's Oisin Conaty: 'When did he get to this level? I think he has been absolutely amazing. That left footed point the last day, took the ball running away from goal and ran around a few, that is a serious level this guy is operating at now consistently.' Galway's Matthew Thompson is the current runaway favourite for Young Footballer of the Year. Can a player survive in the new rules without pace? 'They will struggle,' according to Galway boss Joyce. 'That has been the case at intercounty over the last few years. Unless you have pace, you will struggle. Probably more so now. 'You are going away from the traditional positions on the pitch. It is three back, eight workhorses in the middle and three up top. When the ball goes up, you need your wing-backs and wing-forwards coming at pace up the pitch and being able to control the ball at high speed.' Do you need height? In a late blitz, Mayo made widespread late changes. Sean Morahan came in at full-back. Even without Donnacha McHugh, David McBrien was able to operate further out the pitch and let Morahan take Mark Bradley, with Jack Coyne on Darragh Canavan and Enda Hession on Darren McCurry. Cathal McShane's departure has left Tyrone struggling for height in attack. File picture: Ramsey Cardy/Sportsfile Tyrone's lack of height inside made it easier to defend against them. The news last month that Cathal McShane had stepped away from the panel has left a void. Can Clare throw a spanner in the works? Eight games without a win. Clare's history in this version of the All-Ireland SFC is not good. However, they now face Leinster champions Louth, who lost their last two since a historic outing in Croke Park. Are Down the kickout innovators? Ronan Burns has been in sensational form for Down. He made two point blank saves from Daire Ó Baoill and Aaron Doherty against Donegal. The 20-year-old has remarkable variety with his kickouts, getting a whole host of them off short despite the new limitation on the ball having to travel outside the arc. 'They are getting away a high percentage of kickouts for sure but the way I look at it, the press that was put on for some of those was watery at best,' said Horan. 'It would spur you on as an opposition. Maybe set a trap, let them have a few and go in for the smash. The kickouts, I don't think that much has happened yet. It is bog standard, an overload here and a run there. We are at the early stages.' Can Mayo get after Donegal in the middle? Colm Reape went long with every kickout against Tyrone. Donegal have shown a huge reliance on Michael Murphy for restarts and Shaun Patton's fitness is a live concern. Personnel will dictate so much on Sunday. Patton, Jason McGee, Donnacha McHugh and Diarmuid O'Connor are required for their respective teams.
