1. Can Cork bounce back from Munster final defeat?
Cork lost the battle against Kerry in last Saturday's Munster final replay. Donall Farmer / INPHO
Donall Farmer / INPHO / INPHO
It’s a tough ask for the Cork footballers to rouse themselves again just seven days after losing the Munster final replay to Kerry.
The Rebels missed the boat at the first time of asking but were still competitive in the rematch, with Paul Kerrigan’s goal an undoubted highlight.
Cork did bounce back from losing the 2010 Munster semi-final against Kerry to finish the year as All-Ireland champions but a repeat performance would represent an incredible achievement.
Cork can take heart from their previous championship meetings with Kildare.
They’ve won the last three, most recently in 2012, and lost just once to the Lilywhites, in 1928.
2. How have Kildare recovered from Dublin hammering?
Jason Ryan has turned Kildare's season around. James Crombie / INPHO
James Crombie / INPHO / INPHO
Kildare were taken apart by Dublin in the Leinster semi-final, suffering a 19-point humbling at Croke Park.
But Jason Ryan’s men have been steadily building momentum against since that thrashing at GAA HQ.
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A gritty two-point victory over neighbours Offaly was followed up with an emphatic 19-point victory over Longford.
Kildare will feel that Cork are vulnerable and what was most impressive about the Longford game was the spread of scorers, with 12 players on the mark.
Ollie Lyons, Emmet Bolton, Eoghan O’Flaherty and skipper Eamonn Callaghan are proven leaders and will carry the fight to Cork.
3. Will Cork’s selection changes work?
Brian Cuthbert has shuffled his pack. Cathal Noonan / INPHO
Cathal Noonan / INPHO / INPHO
Brian Hurley has paid the price by losing his place in the team after failing to score in the two outings against Kerry.
Eoin Cadogan was a massive loss for the Kerry replay through injury but his return at midfield will help solidify Cork in this key area.
Kerry won the midfield battle hands down last weekend and Kildare will look to flood the middle third with bodies in an attempt to win clean possession and breaking ball.
It’s a big chance for Colm O’Driscoll in attack but Paddy Kelly’s absence through injury is a blow to Cork.
4. How will John Heslin’s absence affect the Lake County?
John Heslin is ruled out with an ankle injury. James Crombie / INPHO
James Crombie / INPHO / INPHO
Heslin was superb in the Leinster championship for Westmeath, scoring 1-26 for the Lake County.
He bagged 0-9 in the victory over Louth, another five points against Wexford, a remarkable 1-9 in that memorable semi-final victory over Meath and 0-3 in the provincial final defeat to Dublin.
But an ankle injury will rule the St Lomans clubman out of the visit to Breffni Park and the qualifier clash with Fermanagh.
Denis Glennon has been handed a start against the Erne County and will assume the scoring mantle vacated by Heslin.
But Heslin’s shoes are big ones to fill as his scoring tally equates to almost 36 per cent of Westmeath’s entire championship haul to date.
5. Can Pete McGrath work his magic again?
Pete McGrath celebrates victory over Roscommon. Presseye / Andrew Paton/INPHO
Presseye / Andrew Paton/INPHO / Andrew Paton/INPHO
Fermanagh boss Pete McGrath is a revered figure in Gaelic Football circles.
The former Ireland International Rules boss guided Down to All-Ireland senior glory in 1991 and 1994 and after steering Fermanagh to promotion from Division 3 of the Allianz League this year, they have shown good form in the championship.
Fermanagh lost to champions Monaghan in the Ulster semi-final but have embarked on a successful qualifier run.
Victories over Antrim and most notably Roscommon have taken McGrath’s charges to within 70 minutes of an All-Ireland quarter-final.
And they will feel confident against a Westmeath side without John Heslin and still smarting from Leinster final defeat.
Cork, Kildare, Westmeath and Fermanagh staring at All-Ireland football qualifier exit door
1. Can Cork bounce back from Munster final defeat?
It’s a tough ask for the Cork footballers to rouse themselves again just seven days after losing the Munster final replay to Kerry.
The Rebels missed the boat at the first time of asking but were still competitive in the rematch, with Paul Kerrigan’s goal an undoubted highlight.
Cork did bounce back from losing the 2010 Munster semi-final against Kerry to finish the year as All-Ireland champions but a repeat performance would represent an incredible achievement.
Cork can take heart from their previous championship meetings with Kildare.
They’ve won the last three, most recently in 2012, and lost just once to the Lilywhites, in 1928.
2. How have Kildare recovered from Dublin hammering?
Kildare were taken apart by Dublin in the Leinster semi-final, suffering a 19-point humbling at Croke Park.
But Jason Ryan’s men have been steadily building momentum against since that thrashing at GAA HQ.
A gritty two-point victory over neighbours Offaly was followed up with an emphatic 19-point victory over Longford.
Kildare will feel that Cork are vulnerable and what was most impressive about the Longford game was the spread of scorers, with 12 players on the mark.
Ollie Lyons, Emmet Bolton, Eoghan O’Flaherty and skipper Eamonn Callaghan are proven leaders and will carry the fight to Cork.
3. Will Cork’s selection changes work?
Brian Cuthbert’s team selection has generated plenty of debate on Leeside.
Brian Hurley has paid the price by losing his place in the team after failing to score in the two outings against Kerry.
Eoin Cadogan was a massive loss for the Kerry replay through injury but his return at midfield will help solidify Cork in this key area.
Kerry won the midfield battle hands down last weekend and Kildare will look to flood the middle third with bodies in an attempt to win clean possession and breaking ball.
It’s a big chance for Colm O’Driscoll in attack but Paddy Kelly’s absence through injury is a blow to Cork.
4. How will John Heslin’s absence affect the Lake County?
Heslin was superb in the Leinster championship for Westmeath, scoring 1-26 for the Lake County.
He bagged 0-9 in the victory over Louth, another five points against Wexford, a remarkable 1-9 in that memorable semi-final victory over Meath and 0-3 in the provincial final defeat to Dublin.
But an ankle injury will rule the St Lomans clubman out of the visit to Breffni Park and the qualifier clash with Fermanagh.
Denis Glennon has been handed a start against the Erne County and will assume the scoring mantle vacated by Heslin.
But Heslin’s shoes are big ones to fill as his scoring tally equates to almost 36 per cent of Westmeath’s entire championship haul to date.
5. Can Pete McGrath work his magic again?
Fermanagh boss Pete McGrath is a revered figure in Gaelic Football circles.
The former Ireland International Rules boss guided Down to All-Ireland senior glory in 1991 and 1994 and after steering Fermanagh to promotion from Division 3 of the Allianz League this year, they have shown good form in the championship.
Fermanagh lost to champions Monaghan in the Ulster semi-final but have embarked on a successful qualifier run.
Victories over Antrim and most notably Roscommon have taken McGrath’s charges to within 70 minutes of an All-Ireland quarter-final.
And they will feel confident against a Westmeath side without John Heslin and still smarting from Leinster final defeat.
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