If this weekend’s Galway Senior Football Championship quarter-finals deliver half the drama of the preliminary round a fortnight ago, then supporters are in for another cracking instalment.
The key question is whether anyone can halt the charge of the group winners - defending champions Corofin, Maigh Cuilinn, Salthill/Knocknacarra and Tuam Stars. All four also made last year’s semi-finals, underlining their status as the county’s now established 'Big Four.'
Crucially, they come into this weekend fresh, with the luxury of a month’s break, while their challengers - Dunmore MacHales, Killannin, St James’ and Oughterard - had to battle through a preliminary round to reach this stage. That added rest, coupled with experience, feels like a significant edge.
Bookmakers anticipate little prospect of upsets, but that will not concern the underdogs. Free from expectation, Dunmore, Killannin, St James’ and Oughterard can throw everything at it. Landing a knockout blow against such seasoned opponents will require something special. But sport is nothing without its surprises.
It is a pity, however, that two senior fixtures are clashing on Sunday. For Galway’s premier football competition, scheduling that allows supporters to take in all four quarter-finals live should be the standard and a weekend pass to attend all games should be facilitated for patrons in this day and age.
Maigh Cuilinn v Oughterard
Saturday – Pearse Stadium, 5pm
Neighbours collide in the only senior tie on Saturday, with Oughterard returning to Pearse Stadium for the fifth game in-a-row. It was here they edged Claregalway in a dramatic and controversial finish last time out, relying heavily on Niall Lee, Matthew Tierney and Eric Lee for scores.
Maigh Cuilinn, meanwhile, topped a tough group that also featured Killannin and St James’. Their +23 scoring difference underlined their strength, though they were held to a draw by St James’ in the final round while missing key figures Paul Kelly, Peter Cooke and James McLaughlin. All of whom have Galway senior experience in recent years.
If those absentees return, Maigh Cuilinn should have too much in hand. Oughterard will battle, but the two-time county champions should be too strong.
Prediction: Maigh Cuilinn
Corofin v Dunmore MacHales
Sunday – Tuam Stadium, 3pm
A North Galway derby steeped in tradition; this promises plenty of intrigue. Dunmore staged an extraordinary comeback against Naomh Anna, Leitir Móir, clawing back an 11-point deficit to force extra-time before edging it by two.
Ten different players scored, with Padraig Costello leading the way on seven points. Still, shipping four goals in the first half will be a major concern with three in-a-row chasing Corofin coming down the tracks.
Adding to the drama is Corofin boss Gary Delaney coming up against his former club. He knows the Dunmore players inside out, having led them to county and provincial intermediate success in 2022. His current side topped their group, ahead of Milltown, Leitir Móir and Monivea-Abbey.
Corofin may not yet be firing on all cylinders, and Dunmore have momentum, but shutting down Corofin’s attack over 60 minutes feels a step too far.
Prediction: Corofin
Tuam Stars v Killannin
Sunday – Kenny Park, 4.15pm
Like Dunmore, Killannin dug themselves out of an 11-point hole in the prelims, edging Mountbellew/Moylough by the minimum in normal time. Goals from Cathal Walsh, Gary Bohan and Johnny Heaney proved decisive, while Dara Walsh’s sparkling form continues to catch the eye - surely placing him firmly in Galway’s plans for the spring.
Tuam Stars arrive on the back of wins over Claregalway, Dunmore and Annaghdown, and they also captured Division 1 honours this season. Much credit goes to manager Dave Donnellan for instilling this level of consistency into a side who will be without their captain Conor Rhatigan for the remainder of the campaign.
Killannin fell at this stage last year to eventual winners Corofin, and another quarter-final exit seems the likely outcome here.
Prediction: Tuam Stars
Salthill/Knocknacarra v St James’
Sunday – Pearse Stadium, 4.30pm
Two city sides face off in Sunday’s headline act. Salthill/Knocknacarra, with marquee names like Cathal Sweeney, John Maher and Rob Finnerty, are strong favourites.
They topped a group containing Oughterard, Mountbellew/Moylough and St Michael’s, showcasing their all-round quality.
James’ have already gone one better than 2023, when they fell to Killannin in the prelims. This year, they brushed aside Milltown with unexpected ease in that stage and looked the sharpest of the preliminary round winners. Jack Nolan, Brian Kane and Jonah Culligan all impressed and if Paul Conroy and the O’Neill brothers can add in increased output in the scoring stakes, they could be dangerous.
If James’ pick up where they left off against Milltown, they certainly have a chance of troubling the favourites, but Salthill/Knocknacarra’s depth should see them through.
Prediction: Salthill/Knocknacarra
