Preview: All-Ireland SFC Quarter-Final Dublin v Galway

Dublin will hope to build on the promise of last Sunday’s battling victory over Donegal, when they face Galway in their All-Ireland Senior Football quarter-final in Croke Park on Sunday afternoon (4.00). 

The Dubs delivered their most consistent performance of the year in that 2-26 to 2-22 extra-time success last weekend, but there’s no question that will have left some toll on the team, both emotionally and physically. 

Having the extra day’s preparation is a positive certainly but Galway will enter the contest fresher, coming on the back of their Round 2 success against Westmeath last Sunday week. 

That 3-21 to 2-21 was more comfortable than the final scoreline suggested, with goals from Shane Walsh, Cian Hernon and Matthew Tierney proving enough to withstand some late Westmeath pressure. 

In Rob Finnerty, they possess one of the most in-form attackers left in the Championship and the use of Damien Comer off the bench has added experience and an aerial threat to their already talented forward line. 

Dublin’s options in attack have also incrementally improved as the year has progressed, with Colm Basquel back close to his All-Star form from 2023. 

His seven points on Sunday was central to Dublin’s victory and what would have pleased Ger Brennan the most was the impact from the bench, with Ross McGarry catching the eye once again after a lively cameo against Cavan and Seán Guiden looking increasingly comfortable at this level.

Guiden’s ability to raise orange flags has been a huge positive and seeing Seán Bugler return to action on Sunday can also help in this regard. 

Seeing both Paddy Small and Con O’Callaghan limp off against Donegal was not ideal from a Dublin perspective, especially given the way they combined for their well-taken goals, and Ger Brennan will be hoping both can be fit for Sunday's game.

Nathan Doran’s injury is another blow for Dublin given the energy he brought to Dublin’s defensive effort in the first-half on Sunday and whether the Dubs can replicate that same intensity given the short turnaround is the key to their chances of advancing to the last four. 

Of course, the sides met at the corresponding stage two years ago, with Galway staging a second-half comeback to win by 0-17 to 0-16. 

It’s more than likely that we’ll see an increase in scores this Sunday but the tightness of the 2024 clash could well be replicated in what should be another thrilling afternoon in Dublin 3. 

For those unable to attend at headquarters, the contest will be shown live on RTE 1 as part of a double-header that includes Louth v Monaghan at 1.45pm.