Karl O'Kane

2 weeks ago | irishmirror.ie | Karl O'Kane

Dessie Farrell is hoping to get bodies back again as "depleted" Dublin turn their attention to the All-Ireland series. Farrell’s side fell to a shock 0-23 to 1-16 Leinster semi-final defeat by Meath at Portlaoise yesterday. Sean Bugler didn’t start the game as he joined a growing injury list, while Cormac Costello only came into the fray at half-time. “Cormac (Costello) is just back from injury,” said Farrell. “Cian Murphy is out. Sean MacMahon was out today. Eoin Murchan was out.

2 weeks ago | irishmirror.ie | Karl O'Kane

This is a tricky tie for Donegal, as it comes just a week after they beat a good Monaghan side. Down played last weekend too, just edging out Fermanagh. They have an extra day’s rest. Last year in the Ulster semi-final, Down put Armagh to the pin of their collar with 15 men behind the ball. That’s not an option any more. Donegal’s fast transition and squad depth should be enough, with Michael Langan and Jason McGee getting game time last weekend. Donegal are likely to have too much scoring power.

2 weeks ago | irishmirror.ie | Karl O'Kane

Louth are getting bodies back but will they get enough of them back in time? They got All Star Craig Lennon in off the bench in the win over Laois and Ciaran Byrne started, hitting 1-3. Kildare edged out Westmeath in the quarter-final. The winner here will play in the All-Ireland this summer. The loser will play in the Tailteann Cup. Louth are the more battle hardened from Division 2, but there is likely to be nothing in it. Where is the game being played?

2 weeks ago | irishmirror.ie | Karl O'Kane

Dublin were four up at half-time with the breeze to come against Wicklow in Aughrim, but struggled to put their opponents away. They lost a lot of the break ball and aerial battles with Wicklow goalie Mark Jackson excellent. They were also poor against Tyrone in their final league game. There might be a backlash here. Meath produced a big second half to see off Offaly last time out.

2 weeks ago | irishmirror.ie | Karl O'Kane

Ulster football fans know that you don’t underestimate a Malachy O’Rourke side. He’ll have his homework done, but so will Kieran McGeeney and co. The last thing Armagh, as All-Ireland champions, will want is to lose to Tyrone. Avoiding a red card without taking a step back might be the key here. Tyrone disposed of Cavan with impressive ease. They’ve found promising defenders in Niall Devlin and Peter Teague but it could boil down to Darragh Canavan’s fitness.