Ladbrokes ambassador and former Kerry star Marc Ó Sé runs the rule over this weekend’s All-Ireland GAA Senior Football Championship quarter-finals which kick off at Croke Park.
GAA: Marc Ó Sé assesses the football quarter-finals
Kerry v Tyrone (Sat, 15.45)
Kerry collide with Tyrone in the curtain raiser, with both sides coming good at the business end of the year. Both sets of forwards are in great form. David and Paudie Clifford are flying, Seanie O’Shea seems to have found his mojo again, while Darragh Canavan is in sensational form. Tyrone’s Darren McCurry is back and he is another match-winner on his day, so it looks like this game will ultimately come down to how well each defence can curb the influence of these outstanding forwards.
Kerry will have to keep a close eye on the deadly midfield pairing of Brian Kennedy and Conn Kilpatrick and if they can do that, I think they can edge it. Kerry for the win at 4/9.
5 March 2023; David Clifford of Kerry is tackled by Conor Meyler, left, and Padraig Hampsey of Tyrone during the Allianz Football League Division 1 match between Tyrone and Kerry at O'Neill's Healy Park in Omagh, Tyrone. Photo by Ramsey Cardy/Sportsfile
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Armagh v Monaghan (Sat, 18.00)
Both sides have come good at the right time, especially Armagh who have really turned a corner. To beat Galway without the services of Rian O’Neill was a great achievement and they will really fancy themselves as All-Ireland contenders. Kieran McGeeney will have his men totally focused on getting the job done. Monaghan had a big win against a resurgent Donegal side but I still think Armagh have enough in the tank to beat them at 1/2.
28 January 2023; Kieran Duffy of Monaghan in action against Rory Grugan of Armagh during the Allianz Football League Division 1 match between Monaghan and Armagh at St Mary's Park in Castleblayney, Monaghan. Photo by Ramsey Cardy/Sportsfile
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Derry v Cork (Sun, 13.45)
Both games on Sunday are really tough to call. Derry have done well to win back-to-back Ulster titles and will fancy their chances of reaching the All-Ireland semi-finals, but Cork are not going to let them have it all their own way.
The Rebel County have been the real success story this year. They are improving under the guidance of John Cleary, whilst Kevin Walsh is making a big difference. If Cork can control Shane McGuigan, one of the top two forwards in the country right now, I would give them a great chance. However, with Brendan Rogers, Conor Glass and Odhran Lynch, I think Derry will win at 4/11.
26 March 2023; Matty Taylor of Cork in action against Brendan Rodgers of Derry during the Allianz Football League Division 2 match between Cork and Derry at Páirc Ui Chaoimh in Cork. Photo by Eóin Noonan/Sportsfile
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Dublin v Mayo (Sun, 16.00)
Dublin and Mayo have had some great battles in the past and that rivalry is expected to continue on Sunday. Mayo will take huge confidence from their win over Galway. With the return of Cillian O’Connor and the excellent form of David McBrien at full-back, Mayo are going really well again.
Mayo won’t like me saying this, but Galway had their chances to win last weekend. Damien Comer didn’t come out for the second half and Sean Kelly was carrying a knock, so they weren’t themselves which allowed Mayo to drive on and win.
I still think they can beat Dublin on their day. Dublin are not firing on all cylinders and will have to go through the gears fairly quickly if they are to topple Mayo. Overall though, Dublin have the quality of players to come out on top here at 8/13.
14 August 2021; Aidan O'Shea of Mayo in action against Jonny Cooper of Dublin during the GAA Football All-Ireland Senior Championship semi-final match between Dublin and Mayo at Croke Park in Dublin. Photo by Piaras Ó Mídheach/Sportsfile
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