The road to Croke Park narrows
- Colly Clerkin
- Jun 18
- 4 min read
Updated: Jun 19

THE road to Croke Park is narrowing and the upcoming All-Ireland Senior Football Championship preliminary quarter-finals are poised to deliver the kind of drama, intensity, and potential upsets that have defined this GAA season. With four knockout clashes on the horizon, the stakes couldn’t be higher as eight counties battle for a coveted place in the last eight. Let’s be honest, on paper it’s hard to look past the favourites, but this is championship football and history tells us there’s always room for a shock. Surely, somewhere in these fixtures, an upset is waiting to unfold.
Kerry vs Cavan
The weekend’s action begins in Killarney, where Kerry—wounded but still dangerous—host Cavan. The Kingdom were stunned by Meath in Tullamore, a nine-point defeat that cost them top spot in Group 2. Injuries played a major role, with key players like Seán O’Shea, Paudie Clifford, and Diarmuid O’Connor all missing. Their absence exposed vulnerabilities, particularly in midfield and transition—areas Meath exploited with precision.
Cavan will have taken note. Meath showed that if you can match Joe O’Connor in the middle and have a forward who can land scores from distance, you’ve got a chance. Cavan, gritty and battle-hardened, shocked Mayo in Castlebar and will believe they can do it again. Paddy Lynch will be key to keeping them in touch.
Still, Kerry will welcome another tough test. They haven’t hit top gear yet, but with David Clifford in full flight and reinforcements returning, they remain a serious threat. Expect Cavan to hang in, but Kerry’s class should shine through late on.
Verdict: Kerry
Dublin vs Cork
Dublin return to their fortress for a clash with Cork that could be more competitive than it looks on paper. The Dubs may not be the dominant force of old, but with Cluxton, Kilkenny, Howard, and O’Callaghan still central, they remain a serious outfit. Croke Park suits them perfectly—their kickouts, pressing, and scoring efficiency all thrive in the open spaces.
That said, Meath exposed some cracks. Dublin struggled with physicality and long-range shooting—two areas where Cork also pose a threat. The Rebels are big, athletic, and have dangerous forwards like Brian Hurley and Chris Óg Jones.
Cork edged past Roscommon to earn this shot, but inconsistency has plagued them. For every promising display, there’s been a flat one. They’ll need to be at their absolute best to trouble Dublin, and even then, it might not be enough.
Verdict: Dublin
Down vs Galway
Sunday’s opener might just be the most fascinating tie of the weekend—and if there’s going to be a shock, this feels like the one. Down, under the sharp eye of Conor Laverty, have been one of the stories of the championship. Their youthful energy, attacking flair, and fearless approach have won admirers across the country. I’ll admit, I had my doubts about Down with the new rules in play, but the improvement in individual players has been remarkable. Laverty deserves huge credit for that transformation.
If you want high fielding, look no further than Odhrán Murdock. For long-range shooting, Pat Havern has you covered. This will be a sell-out. The red and black will be out in force, and Páirc Esler will be rocking. The Newry crowd will make it hostile, loud and passionate—exactly what Down need.
Down won’t fear Galway. They’ll get scores, no question. But it’s the other end that worries me. Can they keep Shane Walsh, Rob Finnerty, Matthew Tierney, Cillian McDaid, and Paul Conroy quiet? Solve one problem and another appears—that’s the challenge facing the Down defence. Murdock can match anyone in midfield, but he may find himself outnumbered. Galway’s depth and ability to rotate through the middle third could stretch Down’s resources.
Galway’s win over Armagh was more than just a result—it was a psychological boost. Beating the reigning Ulster champions in a must-win game will have done wonders for their confidence. Padraic Joyce will be desperate for his side to find rhythm now. They’re only three wins from an All-Ireland final. If they’re going to make a push, it starts here.
As for me, I’d struggle to go against my home county. This will be tough, no doubt. But my one glimmer of hope? Newry. The crowd. The atmosphere. If Down are to pull off something special, it starts with the roar from the terraces.
Verdict: Down (There has to be a shock in there somewhere!)
Donegal vs Louth
The final tie of the weekend sees Donegal welcome Louth to Ballybofey—a fixture that, six weeks ago, might have looked far more competitive. But as things stand, it’s hard to see anything other than a Donegal win. That’s not to say Louth have become a bad team overnight. They still have quality and players capable of hurting Donegal. But stylistically, this is a nightmare draw for Ger Brennan’s side. Both teams favour a zonal defensive setup and break at pace with sharp, hand-passed transitions. The problem? Nobody does that better than Donegal.
Unless Louth have devised a new plan this week, it’s tough to see them troubling the hosts. Donegal’s system is slick, and their control of tempo and territory is elite. That said, they haven’t quite clicked in attack. The big question remains: can Michael Murphy and Oisín Gallen truly co-exist? Gallen thrived last year as the focal point, but since Murphy’s return, he’s seen less of the ball. While Murphy brings leadership, his presence may be unintentionally stifling Donegal’s brightest attacking talent.
If Donegal want to challenge for Sam, they’ll need to kick more, stretch defences, and find a way to get both men firing. As for Louth, they’ll reflect on this season with pride. They’ve made progress, shown resilience, and won silverware. With an exciting Under-20 crop emerging, they’ll be back stronger.
But the Donegal machine looks set to roll on. Ballybofey is a fortress, and with momentum building, they’ll be eyeing a serious tilt at the business end of the championship.
Verdict: Donegal
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