So here we are again, at the business end of the season. It has been a mundane enough championship that was lit up by London’s adventure until Monaghan came along and blew the race wide open. It is uplifting to see unfancied teams come through. It lifts teams everywhere who compete when told they would be as well off not to.

London versus Cavan is an interesting game to call. If this was a straight league match, you would call it Cavan’s way. But by moving it to Croke Park, and with London’s summer nothing is nailed on. Let’s not be swayed unnecessarily: Cavan have beaten opposition of a far higher calibre in Armagh, Fermanagh (twice) and Derry than London have faced in Sligo and Leitrim. For that reason I’m going for Cavan.

Donegal versus Laois is another interesting one on paper, but I fear it will be an normal run of the mill victory for Donegal. Both teams have one thing in common: wides! Wexford hit an abysmal 16 wides against Laois and still only lost by 2 points. Donegal hit some terrible wides against Monaghan that you would expect them to score. For the simple reason that I can’t see Donegal hitting so many wides again, I’m going for Donegal.

Cork versus Galway is the most difficult to call. I don’t think Cork are as good as people think, and I’ve no idea of what Galway will turn up. Galway play a lovely brand of football when they’re in the mood. When they’re not, they’re terrible. Cork are a big, strong, physical team and rely upon it. Against teams with better footballers, they generally fade away. Cork lost their only tough match this year against Kerry, while Galway were embarrassed by Mayo. They have struggled, but gradually improved since that defeat. Hence, my (marginal) instinct is to tip Galway.

And so to Meath versus Tyrone. Meath were lauded for their Leinster final display against Dublin, but still lost by seven points. That’s a big defeat against your deadliest rivals.  Tyrone were hammered by Donegal and haven’t beaten much on the way to this stage, bar Kildare. Tyrone have matchday experience in Croke Park, but so do Meath. Meath have sharper forwards, and I’m inclined to go with them. Tyrone haven’t been impressive, and their reputation will only take them so far. So, for me it’s Meath.

Which brings us to the provincial champions. Let’s start in Munster. Kerry have been steady, but did well to see off Cork. I honestly can’t see the Sam Maguire going to Kerry this year, as they are weak around the centre of the field. How will they fare against a strong skilful side such as a Dublin or Mayo? But Kerry enjoy Croke Park, and will be in the semi-finals but I can’t see them going any further. Mayo are the dark horses of the championship. All the talk is of Dublin or Donegal and rightly so. But Mayo are winning well, and not happy with performances. This to me, suggests a steely resolve to finally land Sam. Their biggest obstacle will be avoiding Donegal along the way, because Mayo have no fear of Dublin and have a knack of upsetting the Dublin bandwagon.

Monaghan are the unknowns. What now for them? Is winning Ulster the goal of the season, and if so what happens now? Are they happy with an Ulster title and fade into the sunset? Or will they regroup and focus on Sam? My gut instinct is that Ulster is the aim, and they will be happy with that. I don’t think they’d beat Donegal again, as Donegal will be ready for them. Also, I think the Dubs or Mayo would have too much firepower for them.

Which brings us to the Dubs. They have been brilliant all season long, blowing teams away in the process. They possess strong, skilful, and determined footballers who have the experience of winning the Sam Maguire. But, and there’s always a but with the Dubs. No All-Ireland was won by playing your best football in June or July. Have they overstretched too early or will they continue to get better? They’ve been here before and fallen miserably at poorer teams feet. They hype of the “double” will also weigh heavier on the footballers than the hurlers. Not many in the capital expect the hurlers to win the All-Ireland, but they expect the footballers to win Sam Maguire.

I’m going to base my prediction on what has gone on up to now, and go for Dublin to win the All-Ireland. Provided they avoid Mayo along the way. The last four will be all dependent on who draws Donegal. But, there’ll be a sting in the tail and until then I await the action!