Dublin’s All-Ireland title defence begins back at the scene of last July’s triumph. Dessie Farrell’s side face Roscommon at GAA HQ, a game where they will be heavy favourites. The sides could not be separated at this same stage last year, however.
A late Donie Smith free-kick secured a 0-14 to 1-11 draw for the Rossies. They led by four points at half time, frustrating the Dubs by starving them of possession. We’ve seen other teams take the same approach — Louth were a stern test in the Leinster final earlier this month but couldn’t stop Dublin winning 14 in-a-row.
Will Davy Burke’s side deploy similar tactics again? They haven’t played competitively since their Connacht semi-final defeat to Mayo on 21 April, so will need to get up to the pace quickly. They could really do with a boost after relegation from Division 1 — Dublin won their league meeting by seven points — and a result here would reignite their season. Can they pull it off? It’s a tough ask.
In the opening game of this group last week, Mayo eased past Cavan. ***** In this group opener Kerry overpowered Monaghan last weekend, so it’s shaping up to be an interesting qualification race. Both Louth and Meath will be looking to make a strong start, with the Farney waiting in the wings.
Louth, who are playing their home game in Inniskeen, will enter this one confident after pushing Dublin all the way in the Leinster final. This is a big chance for Ger Brennan’s side to move into the ascendancy.
