Edge of the Square

With 6 on the nation’s top 10 sides in action, this weekend is all about the hurling. For those ash intolerant, the All Ireland football champs will also be continuing their growing feud with rivals Derry while a young Roscommon side are hoping to come of age in Castlebar.

Previews to follow….

Saturday

Leinster SFC QF
Dr Cullen PK 7.00pm

Wexford v Kildare

While Jason Ryan’s side proved to be the surprise package of last year, it is hard to envisage them having such a pleasant 2009.

To start, last year their attack was enjoying huge success in the league of ‘08, on their way to promotion from Division 3. This year has seen them deal with an almighty hangover from their success as they have been woeful at both ends of the field in the second tier.

Not only this, but Ryan is also without talisman Matty Forde for this clash against Kildare, the best equipped side to dethrone the Dubs in Leinster. The Lilywhites have improved hugely under the guidance of Kieran McGeeney with Dermot Ealey’s return to form in the middle of the park particularly noticeable.

John Doyle is one of the top forwards in the country at the minute, while McGeeney also has plenty of talented youngsters at his disposal.

As a result, it’s very difficult to see anything other than a Kildare victory…one warning though is that three or four of Wexford’s forwards have buckets of ability, and they’re probably due a good game.

Verdict: Kildare by 6 points.

Wexford: A Masterson; B Malone, P Wallace, G Molloy; C Morris, D Murphy, A Doyle; B Doyle, E Bradley; A Morrissey, R Barry, C Byrne; C Lyng, S Cullen, PJ Banville.

Kildare: T Corley; H Mc Grillen, M Foley, A Mac Lochlainn; M O’ Flaherty, B Flanagan, E Bolton; D Flynn, D Earley; R Sweeney, P O Neill, J Kavanagh; A Smith, E Callaghan, J Doyle.

Munster SFC SF Replay
Pairc Ui Chaoimh 5.00pm

Cork v Kerry

After last weekend’s cat and mouse affair, this replay should continue the adventure. The typical structure of these tales involves the mouse - Cork - inevitably winning. However, in recent years, after either replays or Munster final losses, the cat has ultimately prevailed.

It would be particularly surprising to see Tommy Walsh actually fit to start even though Jack O’Connor has named him in his side. Darran O’Sullivan has been in impressive form throughout this year, and even if he didn’t have his strongest game in Killarney last week, I would expect him to keep his spot.

These are two of the top football sides in the country, of that there is little doubt. But it’s hard to see Cork being afforded another opportunity against this ruthless outfit from the Kingdom.

Verdict: Kerry by 2 points.

Kerry: D Murphy; M Ó Sé, T O’Sullivan, P Reidy; T Ó Sé, A O’Mahony, K Young; D Ó Sé, T Griffin; P Galvin, D O’Sullivan, T Kennelly; C Cooper, T Walsh, B Sheehan.

Cork: A Quirke; K O’Connor, M Shields, A Lynch; J Miskella, G Canty, G Spillane; A O’Connor, N Murphy; P Kelly, P O’Neill, P Kerrigan; D Goulding, J Masters, D O’Connor.

Saturday @ 5.30pm
Ulster SFC QF

Kingspan Breffni Park: Cavan v Fermanagh

After their opening victory against Down, the Erne men must now see 2009 as a great opportunity to reach the provincial final for the second successive year. Those who feel the provincial championships should be scrapped in favour of an open draw only need to talk to one Erne enthusiast to realise its importance.

The winners of Antrim and a down-hearted Donegal await in the semi-final, and this should further inspire Malachy O’Rourke’s side.

Cavan could well be dominated physically by Fermanagh, as there crop of young talent continues to learn its stripes at senior level. With 21-year-old Ronan Flanagan captaining the side, it does give the impression of a side in transition.

However, in Cian Mackey, Ray Cullivan and Seanie Johnston, Tommy Carr has three other young forwards of huge potential. What Carr’s side lack in experience, they should more than make up in enthusiasm, and with a wily championship head like Tommy Carr’s plotting their game-plan, they will certainly need beating.

One would imagine Fermanagh will attempt to play some stereo-typical Ulster football, to nullify the speed of the Cavan attack. If they can manage this, they should secure their semi-final berth.

However, Breffni Park is a very difficult place to get a result, and this is far from a dead cert.

Verdict: Fermanagh by 2 points.

Cavan: J Reilly; M Hannon, D Sheridan, M Brides; J McCutcheon, E Keating, P O’Reilly; N Walsh, C Galligan; S Brady, R Flanagan [capt], C Mackey; S Johnston, R Cullivan, M Reilly.

Fermanagh: C Breen; N Bogue, S Lyons, H Brady, R McCluskey, S McDermott, T McElroy, M McGrath, J Sherry, R Keenan, C McElroy, M Little, D Keenan, R Carson, E Maguire.

Sunday @ 2.00pm                                                                                                    
Leinster SFC QF

Croke Park: Dublin v Antrim

In Antrim’s first experience of Leinster hurling, the hype has rather strangely, been all about their opposition. Anthony Daly’s Dubs have brought a refreshing boldness to the top tier of senior hurling.

They have consistently competed with the top teams in the country, and even managed victories over Galway, Waterford and a weakened Cork side.

Word from the camp is that the Dubs have been worked to their very-limits in training by Daly, a man reared on lung busting workouts. Daly is without star man Ronan Fallon however and Ross O’Carroll, one of his key forwards.

Having said that, neither men have played an awful lot of hurling to date with Fallon’s persistent injuries and travelling while O’Carroll was busy winning a football All-Ireland with his club.

Daly has used a wide number of players to date and he seems to be putting together a strong panel, not just a strong starting XV. While many of this weekend’s probable starting line-up have played in HQ at underage and club level, this weekend will be an entirely different occasion.

With a large attendance expected for the football, many of the Dubs’ followers should be about to see the small ball beforehand, especially as both sides are expected to prevail.

Antrim, for their part have more than enough in their armoury to cause an upset. They will try to physically dominate the Dubs and could really test the character of the young side.

It could be close, but the Dubs have better hurlers.

Verdict: Dublin by 6 points.

Dublin: TBC

Antrim: R McGarry; K McGourty, N McGarry, A Graffin; J Campbell, C Donnelly, N McAuley; P Richmond, K McKeegan; S Delargy, N McManus, M Herron; CJ McGourty, K Stewart, PJ O’Connell.

Sunday @2.00pm                                                                                                    

Munster SFC SF

Killarney 2.00pm Kerry v Cork

Tadhg Kennelly has stolen the show before the ball has even been thrown in for this Munster semi-final clash of the titans.

While the Kingdom looked scarily assured in their league campaign, they have been upset by many of these Cork players on more than one occasion before. And funnily enough, despite Kerry’s high standards, the Rebels seemed to have closed the gap in quality over the past 12 months.

Momentum is certainly with Conor Counihan’s side after their league campaign, the Under 21 success and Cork IT’s success in the Sigerson Cup earlier in the year.

Counihan has a side that seems to have very little weakness across the board with a generous blend of youth/experience and strength/agility throughout.

Counihan’s full-forward line is as good as any other you are likely to see, and failing their success he has another couple of men on the sidelines that could turn the game around if needed.

Kerry’s weakness could well be in midfield, and this could ultimately be their downfall. If this game were to be played in Páirc Uí Chaoimh, I would fancy Cork but very few can emerge victorious after a trip to Killarney.

Kerry’s front 6 has buckets of pace, while their backs will be certainly up for a physical battle should they need to be. This should be a cracker.

Verdict: Draw

Kerry: D Murphy; M Ó Sé, T O’Sullivan, P Reidy; T Ó Sé, T Griffin, A O’Mahony; T Kennelly, M Quirke; P Galvin, Declan O’Sullivan, D Walsh; C Cooper, T Walsh, Darran O’Sullivan.

Cork: A Quirke; R Carey, M Shields, A Lynch; J Miskella, G Canty, G Spillane; A O’Connor, N Murphy; P Kelly, P O’Neill, P Kerrigan; D Goulding, J Masters, D O’Connor.

Sunday @4.00pm
Leinster SFC QF                                                                                                            

Croke Park: Dublin v Meath

No matter where one hails from, there is something particularly special about clashes between these two.

The Royal men have struggled to reignite themselves post Sean Boylan, and form would suggest they won’t have provinical success this year, but championship is a peculiar specimen.

Without Graham Geraghty and Darren Fay, you would think that Meath would lose a huge amount of experience. And to some extent, they have. But one look at their line-up shows vast championship credentials across the field.

The likes of Anthony Moyles (now playing his club football in Dublin with the Brogans), Kevin Reilly, Nigel Crawford, Stephen Bray and Cian Ward have all stood up against the Dubs in the past.

Similarly, the absence of Ciarán Whelan in the Dublin midfield could well be crucial as his physicality his very important to the momentum the Dubs can draw on from the crowd.

However, I would be very surprised if Dublin do actually line up as Gilroy has announced. Their league campaign was very turbulent to say the least, despite their facile win over Westmeath in the end.

The full-back line still doesn’t inspire confidence, particularly under the high ball, and you can be sure that Eamon O’Brien’s side will be testing that with his makeshift full-forward Caoimhin King still getting the nod for the edge of the sqaure.

The Dubs are also struggling in the centre-half back and centre-forward positions, in that they need a distributor at 11 to maximise the effect of Alan and Bernard Brogan and someone who can read and break up the play at 6.

The Dublin side does have a new look to it, and Mark Davoren’s progress on the edge of the square will be particularly interesting, as will Conal Keaney’s role.

It’s hard to know what to expect when so unsure of what Gilroy is really planning, in terms of tactics and personnel. But the Dubs should have enough to see off a dogged Royal effort.

Verdict: Dublin by 5 points.

Meath: P O’Rourke; A Moyles, K Reilly, E Harrington, S Kenny, N McKeigue, C McGuinness, M Ward, N Crawford, S McAnarney, S Bray, B Meade, C Ward, C King, B Farrell.

Dublin: S Cluxton; D Henry, D Bastick, A Hubbard; P Griffin, G Brennan, B Cahill; R McConnell, D Magee; P Flynn, P Andrews, B Brogan; C Keaney, M Davoren, A Brogan.

Sunday @4.00pm

Munster SFC SF                                                                                                           

Ennis: Clare v Limerick

Not the most glamorous of ties by any means, but a spot in the provincial final is at stake all the same. Limerick will have received a huge boost after their win over a thriving Tipp side.

And Ian Ryan’s form in front of goal continues to catch the eye of many. Ryan has been shifted into full-forward for this clash, with Jason Stokes operating at centre-forward.

Clare’s sixth place finish in Division 4 does very little to suggest that they will beat the Treaty men in Ennis. Mind you, the same could have been said about Mickey Ned O’Sullivan’s side before their clash with Tipperary.

While home advantage should make it a bit tighter, it’s hard to see anything other than a Limerick victory.

Verdict: Limerick by 4 points.

Limerick: S Kiely, J McCarthy, S Gallagher, M O’ Riordan, S Lavin, S Lucey, P Ranahan, J O’Donovan, J Galvin, P Browne, J Stokes, S Buckley, C Joyce-Power, I Ryan, G Collins.

Clare: D O’Brien; L Healy, C Whelan, D Ryan; Gordon Kelly, K Dilleen, Graham Kelly; G Quinlan, G Brennan; E Coughlan, D Russell (cpt), P Reidy; M O’Shea, T Ryan, D Tubridy.

With all due respect to the fixtures that have largely been played out thus far - bar two bruising Ulster encounters - the ceremonial period of this year’s championship has now come to an end.

One look at this weekend’s schedule of fixtures is enough to excite even those with a passing interest in Gaelic games. The two greatest modern teams from Ulster battle it out, the Leinster hurling championship gets underway and the greatest provincial championship of them all finally gets the green light.

Pure magic…..

This bumper bank holiday weekend has even caused the rescheduling of Offaly-Wexford for Saturday, to deliver the coverage that the GAA public deserves.

Whatever number of column inches have been filled this past week disgracing the Celtic Park action last week, in truth, it has given us all something to chew on as the appetite starts to build.

The sun is even out…you’d swear the Dubs were in action….

Saturday @ 7.00 pm

Wexford Park: Wexford v Offaly

Offaly and Wexford need little to be reminded of their rivalry. The’90s proved a particularly rewarding decade for both counties, but since the turn of the millennium, the small matter of Kilkenny has continued to suppress and kind of reinvigoration in either county.

One provincial title in 11 years has become embarrassing for the proud hurling folk of Wexford, never mind the Faithful County supporters, who have been left to cheer on their talented underage sides and Birr, as memories of 1995 become immersed in dust.

This year saw both sides battle it out for promotion to Division 1. Neither were happy with just one spot available. And while Wexford ultimately won the decider, Offaly won the first encounter rather convincingly.

Further incentive…

Colm Bonnar’s luck with injuries has become Arsene Wenger-esque with the loss of Eoin Quigley, Stephen Nolan, Barry Lambert and Keith Rossiter to name just a few.

Offaly on the other hand, have a somewhat quiet treatment tables, and Joe Dooley will be desperate for his side to finally build some championship momentum in Leinster, rather than the qualifiers.

These are two evenly matched sides, and Offaly may find it difficult to emerge victorious in Wexford Park, even against a weakened Yellow Belly outfit. Both sides have about three forwards of supreme quality, and it will ultimately be decided by their relative effectiveness in front of goal.

Offaly look that bit stronger in key positions and might edge it. Should be a cracker.

Verdict: Offaly by 2 points.

Offaly: B Mullins; D Franks, D Kenny, P Cleary; R Hanniffy, G Oakley, J Rigney; K Brady, B Murphy; D Currams, J Brady, D Molloy; B Carroll, J Bergin, S Dooley.

Wexford: D Fitzhenry; M Travers, P Roche, D O’Connor; M Jacob, R Kehoe, C Kenny; S Doyle, D Redmond; T Waters, A Shore, D Lyng; R Jacob, S Banville, P Atkinson.

Sunday @ 2.00 pm

Clones: Tyrone v Armagh

The Ulster rivalries just keep on coming. No doubt the cynics (both on and off the field) will have another field day over this contest. But to many, the physicality, bravery and the passion is what the provincial championships are all about.

And this to me at least, is the main reason why these championships need to be protected from those keen to “revolutionise” our games. Misdemeanours will occur every year, they should be dealt with by a more stringent and less complicated disciplinary process and we should get on with enjoying the battles.

The All-Ireland champions always seem to have their key forwards suffering with injury at this time of year, and this ultimately may largely contribute to their three September successes this decade.

The absence of Brian Dooher and Brian McGuigan remains a blow, but in Brian’s brother Tommy, they have a centre-forward with 20/20 vision while Joe McMahon’s work-rate should ease the absence of Dooher.

For me, the key to this contest is in midfield. Both sides have full-forward lines that can obliterate and defence in the country, and ultimately, the breaks around midfield will dictate their respective supplies.

Looking at both of the line-ups, Tyrone’s experience should eventually see them through this tricky opener, but you can be sure that The Orchard men will make them work themselves to the bone to get through.

It’s about time Tyrone started to perform in Ulster, I don’t believe for a second that they prefer the scenic route.

Verdict: Tyrone by 4 points.

Armagh: P Hearty; A Mallon, B Donaghy, B Shannon; F Moriarty, C McKeever, A Kernan; K Toner, J Lavery; P Duffy, M O’Rourke, B Mallon; S McDonnell, R Clarke, T Kernan.

Tyrone: J Devine; PJ Quinn, Justin McMahon, R McMenamin; D Harte, C Gormley, P Jordan; K Hughes, E McGinley; M Penrose, T McGuigan, Joe McMahon; S O’Neill, S Cavanagh, O Mulligan.

Sunday @ 4.00 pm

Semple Stadium: Tipperary v Cork

There is something eternally magical about a sun-kissed Semple stadium. And this weekend it is expected to be that.

Eoin Kelly’s return to action adds another element to this already mouth-watering tie. With Denis Walsh now well and truly settled in his post, Cork have started to fire in their recent challenge games and seem to be back on track.

Cork’s full-back line could be the key to their success this weekend. In Kelly, Noel McGrath and Micheál Webster, they have three difficult opponents, all with different strengths.

Without the retired Rock, Donal Óg and his experienced half-back line will need to nurse their inexperienced last line of defence through this contest. Aisake O’hAilpín has been stealing most of the headlines this week, but this game in itself should be an absolute belter.

Cork boast huge experience from half-back to half-forward, while the spine Sheedy’s Tipp side is certainly one that many would try to avoid. Tipp probably have the more talented hurlers but their problem line in recent times has been their half-forward line. And up against Ó’hAilpín , Curran and Gardiner will be a massive test for Callanan, O’Brien and Corbett, three hurlers who may perhaps be more comfortable further up the field.

I would imagine that the strike and all the other shenanigans that came with it has really brought this squad of players close together…maybe even closer than last year’s strike did.

Word from the camp is good these days, and it’s a very difficult game to call. Sheedy has been quietly confident all year. Cork can be compared to a race horse who impressed mightily in his maiden season, only to be withdrawn on numerous occasions.

A competitor of immense ability, whose unpredictability will always remain intriguing to punters. I can’t help but feel the Munster magic is all about fixtures like this. Fixtures where logic has no input.

Verdict: Cork by 2 points.

Cork: D Óg Cusack; S O’Neill, E Cadogan, C O’Sullivan; J Gardiner, R Curran, S Óg Ó hAilpín; T Kenny, J O’Connor; B O’Connor, N McCarthy, T McCarthy; P Horgan, A Ó hAilpín, K Murphy (Sarsfields).

Tipperary: B Cummins; P Stapleton, P Curran, C O’Brien; D Fanning, P Maher, C O’Mahony; J Woodlock, S McGrath; L Corbett, S Callanan, J O’Brien; N McGrath, M Webster, E Kelly.

Sunday at 3.30pm

Portlaoise: Laois v Galway

Galway in Leinster will just never sit right, so much so, you would almost expect Microsoft Word to put a green line under it. However, what’s done is done and all that, and there first task should be no more than a feeler.

While Laois do have strength in the likes of Young and Campion, they have very few hurlers of the same ability of Canning and co. John McIntyre has picked a very strong line-up for this opener with John Lee at centre-back and both Hayes’ starting in the forwards.

Kevin Hynes makes his championship debut at midfield, but he has already proved his credentials at this level after his league campaign.

Most neutrals will be watching just to see what Canning does next, and how many goal he, Damien Hayes and Niall Healy will manage.

Laois could be in for an almighty hiding. Any other result seems very unlikely.

Verdict: Galway by 18 points.

Laois: T Doran; J A Delaney, D Maher, B Stapleton; M Whelan, B Campion, M McEvoy; J Young, J Walsh; D Peacock, W Hyland, O Holohan; J Purcell, J Rowney, E Jackman.

Galway: C Callanan; D Joyce, S Kavanagh, O Canning; F Moore, J Lee, A Cullinane; K Hynes, A Smith; A Callanan, K Hayes, C Donnellan; D Hayes, J Canning, N Healy.

Sunday at 3.30 pm

Carrick-on-Shannon: Leitrim v Roscommon

After Mayo and Galway brushed aside New York and London respectively, the Connacht Senior Football championship kicks off in Ireland this weekend with this far-from-glamorous tie.

Leitrim are a very difficult side to put away in Carrick, as many a foe will tell you. Roscommon had an improved league campaign this year, as their minor stars from 2006 start to mature into the senior setup.

They are without the likes of Cathal Cregg (knee) and key midfielder Seamus O’Neill (Achilles) while Leitrim are lamenting the loss of their main scorer Emyln Mulligan to a cruciate knee problem.

It should be a tight affair. Home advantage should even the contest out considerably, but the greater talent available to Fergal O’Donnell should be enough for the Rossies.

Verdict: Roscommon by 2 points.

Roscommon: TBC

Leitrim: TBC

After the championship action was slowly leaked over the past fortnight, we now find ourselves flooded with fixtures this weekend.

Galway start their Connacht campaign against London in Ruislip while there are attractive tussles in both Leinster and Ulster.

Saturday

Ulster GAA Hurling Senior Championship
Ruislip 1.30pm

London v Fermanagh

Not exactly what will be on most GAA enthusiasts’ mind this weekend, but all the same London have been steadily improving over the past number of seasons.

On the back of their comfortable league campaign the Exiles should have more than enough to see off the men from the North West.

Verdict: London by 15 points.

Sunday

Connacht GAA Football Senior Championship
Ruislip 3.00pm

London v Galway

While there will surely be a bigger turn out in Ruislip on Sunday to greet the Tribesmen, the reality is that Exile’s hurlers will be the sole home side to reign victorious in London.

Galway put together a very impressive league campaign, bar their slip up against neighbours Mayo. They have returned to a style of free flowing football that won them two All-Ireland titles around the turn of the century.

And in the likes of Michael Meehan, Cormac Bane, Padraig Joyce et al, the talent is certainly there to get themselves involved in the business end of the season. For Liam Sammon his biggest obstacle may be motivating his players for this fixture.

London won’t just roll over but Galway’s class should shine through in the end, and they ought to win at a canter.

Verdict: Galway by 11 points.

Leinster GAA Football Senior Championship
Portlaoise 2.00pm

Longford v Wicklow

Two of Leinster’s minnows battle it out to open the provincial campaign. Glenn Ryan is looking to earn his managerial stripes against his tutor in chief, Mick O’Dwyer.

Neither side excelled in their respective league journey’s with Ryan’s side relegated to Division 4, where they will join the Garden County next year after their disappointing mid table finish.

And while neither side is littered with household names, both managers have talented players at their disposal, particularly in attack.

As a result, this could be a very entertaining contest and it should be relatively close. O’Dwyer’s wily head might just see Wicklow through.

Verdict: Wicklow by 2 points.

Portlaoise 4.00pm

Kildare v Offaly

This fixture is another intriguing one between two closely matched sides, in terms of talent at least.

Offaly have put their early season off-field issues well and truly behind them with a respectable finish in Division 3. In Niall McNamee they have a forward of immense potential, and one that can trouble any defence on his own.

In contrast, Kieran McGeeney is really building a team in Kildare, and in the end they were a bit unlucky as their bid for promotion to Division petered out at the death.

Many fancy the Lillywhites as a good outside bet for the provincial title, or at least the most likely to put a challenge up to the Dubs. McGeeney also has the luxury of picking from a talented group of underage stars, largely centred on last year’s Under 21 side.

John Doyle is another top forward who will showcasing his skills in Portlaoise, notably his ability with a placed ball which is matched by very few in the country.

Kildare’s strength in depth should them through but don’t be surprised if the Faitful man are still there or there abouts at the death. Could go to the wire.

Verdict: Kildare by 1 point.

Munster GAA Football Senior Championship
Dungarvan 3.30pm

Cork v Waterford

A fixture in a similar vein to that of Galway-London. It gives Conor Counihan the opportunity eye up a few options and get some match practice under their belt.

Cork are many people’s dark horses for Sam this year, and at 8/1 they probably are worth a bit of each way money. Confidence hasn’t been this high with the big ball in a good while.

After UCC’s Sigerson win, the success of the Under 21 side and the senior side’s promotion to the top tier of the league momentum certainly isn’t an issue.

Counihan has strength all over the pitch and even some to spare in reserve and Waterford should see plenty of that ability in Dungarvan. The home side should take comfort in the fact that they have the Rebels in their back yard and the beating may not be as heavy as it could have been. Should still be a beating though.

Verdict: Cork by 10 points.

Semple Stadium 3.30pm

Limerick v Tipperary

It’s almost unnerving to look at Tipp as favourites going into a football fixture, but they are there on merit and form.

Tipp squeezed through the league encounter by a solitary score and they will already be too aware of the threat that Ian Ryan posess. This could, and should, be very close.

Verdict: Tipperary by 2 points.

Ulster GAA Football Senior Championship
Celtic PK 2.00pm

Derry v Monaghan

This fixture should be another tight one with both sides considered to be among the top ten in the country. Monaghan should be buoyed by their promotion to division 1, while Derry will once again hope to cuild their championship aspirations on a solid league campaign.

The much maligned "Ulster football" will be there for all to see, as Monaghan base there game on physicality, while Derry won’t back down from any tussle. Midfield will be crowded, and there will probably be more frees than anywhere else this weekend, with a card or two thrown in for good measure.

Derry have the better side though, even without Muldoon.

Verdict: Derry by 3 points.

After a league campaign whose results were nonchalantly brushed aside as no more than irrelevant, Pat Gilroy’s vision for Dublin’s footballers is finally gaining focus with Meath now very much in sight.

The St. Vincent’s clubman has carefully welded together his rearguard over the past five months with Denis Bastick the latest midfielder attempting to fill Paddy Christie’s boots. Alan Hubbard and Ger Brennan have also performed adequately throughout the league to more than likely give them the nod on June 7.

It remains difficult to see the Dubs operating with a non-playing captain once more, so it seems that Paul Griffin will make up the half-back line alongside Barry Cahill, with the out-of-form Bryan Cullen most likely the man to lose out.

This time 6 months ago, the only doubt about Dublin’s midfield was whether Ciarán Whelan would still have the physical strength and the mental desire to continue his remarkable championship career. But in fact, it’s now the spot of the Dubs’ sole 2008 All Star, Shane Ryan, that seems to have been relinquished.

The Naomh Mearnóg man has played a puzzling amount of football this season, and considerably less than one would expect were he merely being rested. It stands out particularly that he has not been named to feature against Mayo, a game that will showcase the impressive facilities at his own club.

Few could currently argue about Darren Magee’s inclusion, after he excelled with Kilmacud Crokes on their way to All Ireland club glory.  The towering midfielder has since fielded gloriously on his return to the Dublin panel.

One concern about the Whelan-Magee partnership is their apparent lack of mobility, and the Volvo-like engine of the Shane Ryan from ’08 could be a notable absence. With Whelan with almost 15 years of championship wear and tear and Magee well into his second straight year of competitive football, midfield support is a must-have this summer.