We now know the dates and times for this year’s Tailteann Cup and All-Ireland semi-finals. Down booked their place in this year’s final after a one-point win over Fermanagh last weekend as they held on from a second-half surge from Declan Boner’s side, ending 2-19 to 1-21 Wicklow defeated Offaly 2-26 to 4-15 to advance to their first-ever Tailteann Cup final as their opponents Down look to win their second title since the championship was introduced. It’s set to be a double header on Saturday,
July 11, Down take on Wicklow at 3.30pm, with Dublin vs Kerry following that at 6pm. On Sunday, July 12, Louth face Mayo at 4pm, with all games played at Croke Park. The weekend saw some thrilling affairs in the All-Ireland quarter-finals at Croke Park as Mayo, Kerry, Louth and Dublin all advanced through. Mayo and Kerry were the first teams to secure their places in the All-Ireland semi-finals on Saturday. Mayo produced an assured display to see off Cork 0-23 to 0-18, with Darragh
Beirne starring with seven points and Ryan O’Donoghue finishing with eight, while Croke Park debutant Kobe McDonald also impressed. Later, Kerry edged an epic encounter with Tyrone, winning 2-25 to 0-27 after Armin Heinrich struck a dramatic injury-time goal. David Clifford was once again influential for the Kingdom, while substitute Darren McCurry hit 10 points in a valiant losing effort for Tyrone. Sunday’s action saw Louth continue their remarkable championship run with a 0-27 to 2-18 victory over Monaghan. Dominant in midfield throughout, Ger Brennan’s
side controlled the contest thanks to influential displays from Tommy McDonnell and Ciaran Downey, while Sam Mulroy, Ryan Burns and Craig Lennon kept the scoreboard moving. Monaghan’s hopes were hampered by the absence of goalkeeper Rory Beggan, although goals from Oisin McGorman and Stephen O’Hanlon briefly kept them in contention. The final quarter-final saw Dublin book their place in the last four with a 1-25 to 1-21 victory over Galway. Con O’Callaghan and Cormac Costello spearheaded the attack, with Colm Basquel and Niall Scully also
making key contributions. Galway fought back through John Maher’s goal, but O’Callaghan’s penalty after Basquel was fouled, followed by a late two-pointer from Scully, ensured Dublin set up a blockbuster All-Ireland semi-final against Kerry, while Mayo will face Louth in the other last-four tie. Click here to sign up to our sport newsletter, bringing you the top stories and biggest headlines from Ireland and beyond
Tailteann Cup final, All-Ireland semi-finals, Down, Wicklow, Dublin, Kerry, Louth, Mayo, Croke Park, quarter-finals