All-Ireland MFC: Quarter-final previews

A round-up of the quarter-finals

TYRONE v MEATH

Sunday, Newry, 7.15

Meath lost heavily to Dublin in the Leinster final and will get a chance tomorrow night to show whether they possess the infamous Royals’ fighting spirit. Now is the time when character is needed from Andy McEntee’s side.

It is never easy for beaten provincial champions to stir themselves, particularly at minor level, and this is a tough prospect for Meath.

Tyrone looked impressive on route to the Ulster title. They have some lethal inside forwards, especially Mark Bradley, who will be confident they can inflict serious damage on a Meath defence that shipped 3-17 against Dublin.

Verdict: Tyrone

TIPPERARY v MAYO

Saturday, Croke Park, 3pm

These Tipperary minors are getting used to breaking new ground. Last year they won the county’s first All-Ireland minor football title in 77 years. A few weeks ago they beat Kerry – for the second time this summer, having also accounted for Cork in the semi-final – to win Munster titles back-to-back for the first time since 1935.

They came from seven points down against Kerry to win a fantastic Munster final, so the prospect of playing Mayo in Croke Park won’t frighten them.

Mayo lost a poor Connacht minor final to Roscommon by two points and will need to improve drastically to beat Tipp.

Verdict: Tipperary

DUBLIN v MONAGHAN

Sunday, Newry, 5.30

They haven’t said it, but Dublin minors are bound to feel aggrieved they have been taken out of Croke Park for their All-Ireland quarter-final fixture.

With Pat Gilroy’s side playing on Saturday evening, the minors will wonder why they are not on the same bill but it is probably right to give other young teams, like Tipperary and Mayo, the opportunity to play at headquarters.

Dual star Cormac Costello has continued his wonderful form of 2011 and scored 3-4 against Meath in the Leinster final.

Monaghan under-performed against Tyrone in the Ulster final but may not have enough to trouble a talented Dublin side.

Verdict: Dublin

ROSCOMMON v KERRY

Sunday, Croke Park, 12pm Roscommon are getting used to winning Connacht minor titles and will be full of confidence that they can take the scalp of Kerry.

Niall Sheehy scored 1-4 for the Kingdom in their defeat to Tipperary in the Munster final. It was one of the few bright spots on a day when they conceded a seven-point lead.

There are lingering concerns in Roscommon over the fitness of star forward Cathal Conmpton, but he is being nursed through games and is expected to start in Croke Park tomorrow.

The counties have had some great battles at underage level; Roscommon beat Kerry in the All-Ireland final in 2006 and Kerry gained revenge in the quarter-finals in 2009 after extra-time. It might just be Roscommon’s turn again.

Verdict: Roscommon

Orla Bannon