Advertisement

Your essential guide to the weekend's GAA football championship action

We’ve got three big games on the cards this weekend with the semi-finals fast approaching.

EVERY WEEKEND, OUR Friday football preview will give you the who, the what, the why, the when and the where ahead of the weekend’s GAA championship action, as well as statistics from analyst Christy O’Connor.

Here are the three games you can look forward to this weekend. For a chance to win Senior Championship game tickets courtesy of eir, click here

Mark Bradley celebrates a score Mark Bradley delights after a score during the Ulster final win over Down. Will he be celebrating by the final whistle tomorrow? Morgan Treacy / INPHO Morgan Treacy / INPHO / INPHO

Tyrone v Armagh

All-Ireland SFC Quarter-final

When? Saturday, 4pm
Where? Croke Park
TV? Sky Sports Arena

These two great Ulster rivals played out a number of epic battles during the first half of the noughties. Mickey Harte’s side defeated Armagh en route to their All-Ireland titles in both 2003 and 2005 to confirm their supremacy.

After an Ulster quarter-final defeat to Down, an early summer exit was anticipated for Kieran McGeaney’s team, but they’ve built up some good momentum through the backdoor. Jamie Clarke is playing some of his best football in the orange jersey, but the Tyrone rearguard will look to swallow him up at every opportunity tomorrow evening.

Tyrone fell at this hurdle 12 months ago. Time to prove they’re serious All-Ireland contenders.

Christy O’Connor says: In his 15 years as Tyrone manager, Mickey Harte has been involved in 11 All-Ireland quarter-finals, winning six and losing five. However, a Harte Tyrone team has never lost to Ulster opposition in a quarter-final. Against Kildare last weekend, Armagh nailed 18 scores from 29 scoring attempts. Jamie Clarke was their top points scorer from play, with four scores from five shots.

The42′s verdict: Tyrone

Gavin Doogan, Darren Hughes and Neil Mc Adam with Paul Flynn and Brian Fenton Gavin Doogan, Darren Hughes and Neil Mc Adam contest a high ball with Paul Flynn and Brian Fenton during the April league meeting Tommy Grealy / INPHO Tommy Grealy / INPHO / INPHO

Dublin v Monaghan

All-Ireland SFC Quarter-final

When? Saturday, 6pm
Where? Croke Park
TV? Sky Sports Arena

Dublin’s three-in-a-row bid will ramp up another notch when they take on Monaghan in Saturday’s main event. Predictably, the Dubs have faced little resistance as they breezed through Leinster for a seventh year in succession.

Paul Mannion, Ciaran Kilkenny and Con O’Callaghan have been lighting up Jim Gavin’s attack, but they’ll face a stern test against a packed Farney defence. The internal competition for places should mean they hit the ground running against Malachy O’Rourke’s outfit, who have blown hot and cold during the summer.

Monaghan have pushed Dublin hard in the league twice in recent times, losing by a point in their 2016 league meeting and by three points in the same competition last April.

Christy O’Connor says: Stephen Cluxton will break the record for the most championship appearances on Saturday with 89. It’s a phenomenal record but Dublin goalkeepers have had a history for longevity over the last 50 years, with just three men largely occupying that spot over five decades; Paddy Cullen, John O’Leary and Cluxton. Davy Byrne did take over from O’Leary in 1998, playing for four seasons until Cluxton arrived. Cullen first played championship for the Dubs in 1967, and kept the No 1 jersey for 13 seasons until his retirement in 1979. O’Leary immediately took over and played 70 consecutive championship matches until retiring in 1997. Cluxton though, has surpassed them both. And everyone else too. Against Down last weekend, the Hughes brothers from Monaghan, Darren and Kieran, made a combined 49 plays, nailing five scores from play, and having six scoring assists over the 70 minutes.

The42′s verdict: Dublin

Jason Doherty with David Murray Jason Doherty shrugs off David Murray during last weekend's drawn game. Tommy Grealy / INPHO Tommy Grealy / INPHO / INPHO

Mayo v Roscommon

All-Ireland SFC Quarter-final replay

When? Monday, 2pm
Where? Croke Park
TV? RTÉ

Did Roscommon blow their chance last weekend? Is this great Mayo team on its last legs? Two of the many questions that’ll be answered on Sunday.

Now the entire Roscommon side have experienced playing in Croke Park, it should stand to them. Mayo are struggling to put teams away this summer, and three of their last four games have been level at the final whistle.

The match-ups in this game will be intriguing. Lee Keegan had Enda Smith’s number the last day, but is far too good a footballer to waste in the full-back line.

Christy O’Connor says: The wet conditions and slippy pitch were an obvious factor but there were 56 turnovers in the Mayo-Roscommon drawn All-Ireland quarter-final last weekend. Of Mayo’s last 11 championship games in Croke Park, dating back to the 2013 All-Ireland final against Dublin, eight of those 11 games have either been drawn or decided by one point.

The42′s verdict: Mayo

The42 is on Instagram! Tap the button below on your phone to follow us!

Armagh make two changes for Tyrone showdown as injury forces Andrew Murnin to miss out

Waterford blow as Tadhg de Búrca’s appeal rejected in late-night hearing

Close
10 Comments
    Install the app to use these features.
    Mute Brian Dunne
    Favourite Brian Dunne
    Report
    Mar 9th 2023, 10:06 PM

    Brilliant reaction from united. Delighted for bruno.

    226
    Install the app to use these features.
    Mute Pauly Kel
    Favourite Pauly Kel
    Report
    Mar 9th 2023, 10:36 PM

    @Brian Dunne: best player on the pitch tonight, when he cuts out the antics and plays like that it’s great to see and he shows he’s class. That was the reaction needed after Sunday.. De gea distribution worrying again though.

    114
    Install the app to use these features.
    Mute Ultan Corcoran
    Favourite Ultan Corcoran
    Report
    Mar 9th 2023, 10:43 PM

    @Brian Dunne: Shocked at the Virgin Media panel’s scathing review of Wout Weghorst. Sure, he won’t be United’s starting 9 going into next season, but a player like that is invaluable. He was a workhorse at Wolfsburg and he’s giving it his all here too it seems. He’s a man who will play for the badge. People seem to forget that if you’re chasing a game in seasons to come, the option to throw on a difficult 6’5 centre forward is a blessing. Would not be surprised if he scores one or two important goals going forward if he sticks around.

    182
    See 10 more replies ▾
    Install the app to use these features.
    Mute Brian Dunne
    Favourite Brian Dunne
    Report
    Mar 9th 2023, 10:46 PM

    @Pauly Kel: yeah not sure de gea is ever going to get better at that at this stage.

    28
    Install the app to use these features.
    Mute Brian Dunne
    Favourite Brian Dunne
    Report
    Mar 9th 2023, 10:47 PM

    @Ultan Corcoran: agree Ultan. The lad has worked his socks off in every game and contributes plenty in general play. Anyone who likes football was surely happy he got a goal tonight. But the first thing virgin talk about after the game? How the lad isn’t good enough!

    67
    Install the app to use these features.
    Mute Pauly Kel
    Favourite Pauly Kel
    Report
    Mar 9th 2023, 10:48 PM

    @Ultan Corcoran:agree, thought it came across as very arrogant and nearly sneering of the chap. I’m sure he’s living and enjoying the dream playing for utd, he has been putting in some serious work on the pitch a team player no doubt

    61
    Install the app to use these features.
    Mute Jimmy Fitzpatrick
    Favourite Jimmy Fitzpatrick
    Report
    Mar 9th 2023, 10:49 PM

    @Ultan Corcoran: he might be looks like our transfer window will be suspended with this take over

    7
    Install the app to use these features.
    Mute Cormac Flanagan
    Favourite Cormac Flanagan
    Report
    Mar 9th 2023, 11:01 PM

    @Ultan Corcoran: I must say he seems to be very well liked in the squad as they all seemed delighted he scored. Will he be a Kane and score 20+ gold a season. But saw it tonight when they were 3-1 up. Took off Rashford and left Wong on and he never stopped running and harassing. Stopped watch virgin ages ago. Between the pundits and commentators there all terrible.

    46
    Install the app to use these features.
    Mute Michael Anthony
    Favourite Michael Anthony
    Report
    Mar 9th 2023, 11:24 PM

    @Pauly Kel: he’s great against lesser opposition.

    15
    Install the app to use these features.
    Mute Pauly Kel
    Favourite Pauly Kel
    Report
    Mar 9th 2023, 11:27 PM

    @Michael Anthony: you say he goes missing in the big games so?

    9
    Install the app to use these features.
    Mute Sean D
    Favourite Sean D
    Report
    Mar 10th 2023, 12:23 AM

    @Pauly Kel: What part of Manchester are you from?

    10
    Install the app to use these features.
    Mute Paddy Fox
    Favourite Paddy Fox
    Report
    Mar 10th 2023, 6:55 AM

    @Ultan Corcoran: agree. It took forever for John Aldridge to score his first goal for Ireland back in the day. Didn’t make him a bad player. Weghorst will get his share in time.

    12
    Install the app to use these features.
    Mute Johnny Honest
    Favourite Johnny Honest
    Report
    Mar 10th 2023, 8:54 AM

    @Brian Dunne: always plays well against bad teams. Just shows his character really.

    3
    Install the app to use these features.
    Mute G Bot
    Favourite G Bot
    Report
    Mar 9th 2023, 10:09 PM

    Bruno answers his critics with a Man of the Match performance! Delighted for Weghorst too for his goal… Sancho continues to frustrate! Overall an excellent performance after Sunday!

    106
    Install the app to use these features.
    Mute James Rowan
    Favourite James Rowan
    Report
    Mar 9th 2023, 10:14 PM

    @G Bot: anything was better than sunday

    56
    Install the app to use these features.
    Mute G Bot
    Favourite G Bot
    Report
    Mar 9th 2023, 10:17 PM

    @James Rowan: I agree!!!

    18
    See 14 more replies ▾
    Install the app to use these features.
    Mute Trevor Wallace
    Favourite Trevor Wallace
    Report
    Mar 9th 2023, 10:24 PM

    @G Bot: Bruno didn’t answer anything. The epitome of a fair weather player. When everything goes well he excels, but runs away when the going gets tough. One game doesn’t absolve years of evidence to the contrary. Mini Ronaldo.

    77
    Install the app to use these features.
    Mute Brian Dunne
    Favourite Brian Dunne
    Report
    Mar 9th 2023, 10:26 PM

    @Trevor Wallace: utter nonsense.

    52
    Install the app to use these features.
    Mute G Bot
    Favourite G Bot
    Report
    Mar 9th 2023, 10:29 PM

    @Trevor Wallace: Really? He effectively carried United on his back single handed for 2 seasons. I’m not sure what evidence your talking about but as a fan I watch him week in week out and his quality and his character is clear…maybe some petulance is a mark against him but otherwise I think your talking out of your proverbial

    52
    Install the app to use these features.
    Mute A$AP ETH
    Favourite A$AP ETH
    Report
    Mar 9th 2023, 10:31 PM

    @Trevor Wallace: they’ve beaten city, liverpool, arsenal, spurs, and barcelona this season with him playing a large part in all those victories but just make stuff up their trev.

    50
    Install the app to use these features.
    Mute Trevor Wallace
    Favourite Trevor Wallace
    Report
    Mar 9th 2023, 10:35 PM

    @Brian Dunne: How so? I have no skin at all in this. Bruno was a disgrace on Sunday and not for the first time either. I believe Brian Kerr said similar tonight.

    While obviously a super talented player when the chips are down has Bruno shown he’s going to dig in for the team? As a non EPL team supporter watching ManU over the seasons, I’m not sure how you can argue against this.

    So again, one game doesn’t maketh a player.

    43
    Install the app to use these features.
    Mute Trevor Wallace
    Favourite Trevor Wallace
    Report
    Mar 9th 2023, 10:38 PM

    @G Bot: Hang on hang on! I’m not dissing him as a player. He is super talented but I question his mentality when the chips are down. I think that’s fair no? I do agree he was awesome in his first season for you. Not sure for 2 seasons….but I’m sure you can correct me.

    18
    Install the app to use these features.
    Mute Pauly Kel
    Favourite Pauly Kel
    Report
    Mar 9th 2023, 10:43 PM

    @Trevor Wallace: 1 game? He has nearly 60 goals and over 50 assists for utd in 150 games for a cm that’s excellent stats, I wouldn’t be too happy with he’s antics when the chips are down he could clean up on that. But he has been a excellent signing for utd..

    31
    Install the app to use these features.
    Mute G Bot
    Favourite G Bot
    Report
    Mar 9th 2023, 10:46 PM

    @Trevor Wallace: I think you’re backtracking a bit there Trevor… Tonight was a tough game despite the scoreline. A flakier team (or United a few years ago) would’ve struggled after Sunday especially after the equaliser. Fernandes was a decisive part in the victory. You might have a point to certain extent to question his character when the chips are down but I think you were dissing him quite a bit in your first comment

    17
    Install the app to use these features.
    Mute Trevor Wallace
    Favourite Trevor Wallace
    Report
    Mar 9th 2023, 10:48 PM

    @A$AP ETH: Sigh! That is not what I am saying at all. Read my comment again. How any ManU supporters could support some Bruno performances is beyond me. Would I like him playing for my team? (I’m not faceless check my twitter) hell yes every day of the week!! Is Bruno a team player when you’re up against it? Not currently on evidence but maybe he will be.

    18
    Install the app to use these features.
    Mute A$AP ETH
    Favourite A$AP ETH
    Report
    Mar 9th 2023, 10:51 PM

    @Trevor Wallace: like when the chips were down when they went 1 down to barca and won, 1 down to city and won, conceded an equaliser against arsenal earlier in the season and were under the cosh for half an hour and won 3-1? He had a mare last week, the whole team did, yet you are zeroing in on him because he got the lions share of the flak for ‘petulance’ by neville and keane, who as great as they were, also spent the lions share of their career roaring at their team mates. When did people become so sanctimonious that visibly being pissed off when things are going badly is something to be criticised?

    18
    Install the app to use these features.
    Mute Aidy McBride
    Favourite Aidy McBride
    Report
    Mar 10th 2023, 9:02 AM

    @Trevor Wallace: mini Ronaldo? You can say what you like about Ronaldos final weeks at United but nobody can take away what that man achieved, the amount of games he got by the stuff of the neck and the amount of important goals he scored.

    4
    Install the app to use these features.
    Mute Denis Ryan
    Favourite Denis Ryan
    Report
    Mar 10th 2023, 10:44 AM

    @A$AP ETH: Yes, beat liverpool 2-1 at old Trafford with 29% possession and played like a bottom half team on the break. I suppose a stopped clock is right twice a day.

    2
    Install the app to use these features.
    Mute A$AP ETH
    Favourite A$AP ETH
    Report
    Mar 10th 2023, 11:03 AM

    @Denis Ryan: coming off their worst premier league season ever just after receiving a hammering from brentford, and playing one of the top two teams in the league? Well i suppose if they played swashbuckling stuff and lost or drew i could be on here delighted they got them getting 47% possession. Goals on the board is the only stat that matters. Whats the excuse for the actual teams in the bottom half they’ve lost to this year?

    3
    Install the app to use these features.
    Mute Denis Ryan
    Favourite Denis Ryan
    Report
    Mar 10th 2023, 11:32 AM

    @A$AP ETH: same excuse that ye are beginning to use, tired from playing twice a week last year and not investing in our midfield. Won 50 out of 63 games last season without ever playing non possession based football. Remember ye have lost 6 league games this season and we have lost seven. As the games pile up for ye this season, ye will drop points. Besides a miracle in Madrid we have 13 games left this season over three months, plenty of rest and to plan and we are usually better in the second half of the league season.

    1
    Install the app to use these features.
    Mute Martin Glynn
    Favourite Martin Glynn
    Report
    Mar 9th 2023, 10:11 PM

    Sum decent perfomances sum still poor. Antony flatters to deceive. De Gea was shakey all night wit the ball. Thought lads off bench did well wit exception of sancho who was poor…again. Should have bagged another couple of goals.

    47
    Install the app to use these features.
    Mute Cormac Flanagan
    Favourite Cormac Flanagan
    Report
    Mar 9th 2023, 10:13 PM

    Good win. Could have scored more. Still a lot to improve on. Think when utd are playing a more attacking team AWB should be playing. Anthony (despite scoring) and Sancho again frustrate

    36
    Install the app to use these features.
    Mute Jonathan Nolan
    Favourite Jonathan Nolan
    Report
    Mar 10th 2023, 12:48 AM

    They didn’t beat them 7-0 though!

    33
    Install the app to use these features.
    Mute Damien O' Sullivan
    Favourite Damien O' Sullivan
    Report
    Mar 10th 2023, 5:54 AM

    @Jonathan Nolan: Liverpools next week, can’t wait for Drubbing No.2!
    We recovered well, bitter much!??

    14
    Install the app to use these features.
    Mute Johnny Honest
    Favourite Johnny Honest
    Report
    Mar 10th 2023, 8:56 AM

    @Damien O’ Sullivan: in the second tier of European football ffs. Bitter ? Just never forget 7-0

    9
    See 4 more replies ▾
    Install the app to use these features.
    Mute Andrew Adams
    Favourite Andrew Adams
    Report
    Mar 10th 2023, 9:21 AM

    @Johnny Honest: would now be an awkward time to point out that Liverpool are currently qualifying for that second tier of European football in 23/24

    10
    Install the app to use these features.
    Mute Damien O' Sullivan
    Favourite Damien O' Sullivan
    Report
    Mar 10th 2023, 10:43 AM

    @Johnny Honest: We have already.
    And we’re moving on to the other competitions we’re still in.
    After Tuesday’s mauling the big chase for 4th is all you lot will have.
    Exciting…..not.

    5
    Install the app to use these features.
    Mute Dave Hammond
    Favourite Dave Hammond
    Report
    Mar 10th 2023, 11:14 AM

    @Johnny Honest: and you remember 7 is the number of points United are ahead of Liverpool this season

    3
    Install the app to use these features.
    Mute Dave Hammond
    Favourite Dave Hammond
    Report
    Mar 10th 2023, 11:14 AM

    @Johnny Honest: and you remember 7 is the number of points United are ahead of Liverpool this season

    1
    Install the app to use these features.
    Mute A$AP ETH
    Favourite A$AP ETH
    Report
    Mar 9th 2023, 10:13 PM

    Andy townsend voice: Better! An entertaining game. Pleased for Wout, some class run by pellestri in the build up. Unreal finish by anthony as well, shame he didn’t square it for that chance he had at the end. Liked the school font on the numbers for the betis jerseys. Onto the saints on sunday!

    31
    Install the app to use these features.
    Mute Bert Carolan
    Favourite Bert Carolan
    Report
    Mar 9th 2023, 11:11 PM

    Good performance from Utd tonight, should be favourites to win this competition now.
    Not sure that Ten Haag won’t cash in on Bruno in the summer.

    13
    Install the app to use these features.
    Mute Andrew Giles
    Favourite Andrew Giles
    Report
    Mar 10th 2023, 7:47 AM

    @Bert Carolan: maybe, but Roma and Sevilla might think the same, they are playing well in this tournament too.

    4
    Install the app to use these features.
    Mute Fionn O’ Neill
    Favourite Fionn O’ Neill
    Report
    Mar 10th 2023, 8:40 AM

    @Andrew Giles: And Arsenal.

    6
    See 1 more reply ▾
    Install the app to use these features.
    Mute Andrew Giles
    Favourite Andrew Giles
    Report
    Mar 10th 2023, 10:42 AM

    @Fionn O’ Neill: I think the league is the bigger prize for Arsenal, Europa League would just be a welcome bonus, who would be a manager trying to juggle selection, avoid injuries in pursuit of multiple trophies, like Klopp last season, and Arteta and Ten Haag this season, both eyeing 2 trophies, 2 more in Utds case, the league, in my opinion us beyond Utd now.

    1
    Install the app to use these features.
    Mute Andrew Keane
    Favourite Andrew Keane
    Report
    Mar 10th 2023, 12:38 AM

    It’s not Uniteds ability to win matches that concerns me. It’s their mental weakness when things go wrong. Seeing that change would be a positive for me.

    17
    Install the app to use these features.
    Mute Colin Mac
    Favourite Colin Mac
    Report
    Mar 10th 2023, 8:10 AM

    Bruno will always turn up…. On Thursday nights.

    10
    Install the app to use these features.
    Mute Johnny Honest
    Favourite Johnny Honest
    Report
    Mar 10th 2023, 8:57 AM

    @Colin Mac: he does it some Saturdays too against the teams battling relegation.

    8
    Install the app to use these features.
    Mute Brian Dunne
    Favourite Brian Dunne
    Report
    Mar 10th 2023, 9:43 AM

    @Johnny Honest: its hilarious how bruno triggers fans of other teams!

    9
Submit a report
Please help us understand how this comment violates our community guidelines.
Thank you for the feedback
Your feedback has been sent to our team for review.