Resurgent Meath next up for Galway
Down defeated after living dangerously
MAYO, Dublin, Derry, Armagh and Down all went toe-to-toe with Galway down the stretch in this year's championship. Hardened by experience and living dangerously on the edge, Padraic Joyce's side have become the great survivors in this most wide-open and thrilling of All-Ireland races.
After such a demanding schedule, might energy levels dip against the rested Royals? Or will Galway retain their hard-earned momentum and continue a third serious tilt at the ultimate prize in four seasons?
The optimism that surrounded Shane Walsh's return to something close to his best form against Armagh and Down - 1-16 clocked up in those two outings - was dampened somewhat by a shoulder injury sustained shortly before half-time against the Mourne men.
Walsh should be fine according to word coming from the camp and ......... .
Read our full preview coverage in this week's edition, on sale in shops or buy our digital edition here
Sunday afternoon's opening quarter-final at Croke Park (throw-in: 1.45pm) will be televised live on RTÉ 2.