PREVIEW: More reliable Galway to fend off the Dubs in All-Ireland quarter-final

Galway have been drawn against Dublin in the All-Ireland quarter-final on Sunday at 4pm in Croke Park. The game forms part of a double-header, with Louth and Monaghan meeting at 1.45pm. Both matches will be broadcast live on RTÉ Two. Meath native David Gough has been appointed referee for the clash.

This will be the third championship meeting between Galway and Dublin in the past three seasons. Galway edged past the Dubs in the 2024 All-Ireland quarter-final, securing their first championship victory over the Boys in Blue in 90 years. Dublin, however, came out on top when the sides met during the group stages of last year’s championship.

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In the interim, Galway relegated Dublin to Division Two in March. That encounter was notable for a half-time altercation between the teams, which resulted in Galway strength and conditioning coach Cian Breathnach McGinn receiving an eight-week suspension, while Dublin manager Ger Brennan was handed a 12-week ban.

Dublin required extra time to overcome Donegal in Round Three of the All-Ireland series. Brennan’s side have responded impressively after suffering defeat to Louth in round one, recording victories over Cavan and Donegal to revive their campaign. This weekend will mark their third consecutive week in action.

Momentum is undoubtedly building behind the Dubs. After difficult league and Leinster championship campaigns, they have reignited their season and will be backed by a sizeable support in Croke Park.

The Tribesmen enter the game following a two-week break after victories over Kildare and Westmeath. Last year showed how playing three consecutive weekends can eventually take its toll on teams, and Galway should benefit from an element of freshness.

That said, Galway’s last major test came against Roscommon on May 10. While Westmeath pushed them hard in stages, Joyce’s men still controlled large portions of that contest and led for most of the game.

The injury picture has also improved significantly. Matthew Thompson remains Galway’s only major injury concern heading into the weekend.

Shane McGrath, in his first season with the Galway senior footballers, will be pushing strongly for a starting place. Introduced during the first half against Westmeath, he made an immediate impact by scoring 0-2.

Aside from that, Joyce could stick largely with the side that started against Westmeath. Robert Finnerty, Matthew Tierney and Shane Walsh are likely to spearhead a dangerous full-forward line. The trio have combined for 5-42 in the championship so far, and Galway will fancy their chances against a Dublin full-back line expected to feature Seán McMahon, Davy Byrne and Nathan Doran.

Dublin finally appear to have settled on a goalkeeper after rotating between Evan Comerford and Hugh O’Sullivan during the championship. Comerford now looks to have secured the number one jersey.

Joyce and Damien Comer have both spoken about Comer’s role as an impact substitute during this campaign. The Annaghdown man could prove a significant aerial threat when introduced from the bench on Sunday.

Further out the field, Cein D’Arcy and Cillian McDaid are likely to be tracked by Theo Clancy and Charlie McMorrow. Leo Gannon could be assigned to McGrath should he start, although Galway’s sixth forward position has varied considerably throughout the championship. Oisín Mac Donnacha started against Leitrim, Ryan Roche got the nod against Roscommon, while Ciarán Mulhern was selected against Kildare.

Closing out games remains the biggest area for improvement. Galway surrendered a six-point lead in the closing stages of the Connacht final and, despite leading Westmeath by nine points, were forced to withstand a late surge before eventually securing victory. Joyce will know there is little room for error from this point forward.

As is often the case, the battle around the middle third could prove decisive. Galway’s Paul Conroy and John Maher are set for a fascinating contest against Dublin’s Peadar Ó Cofaigh Byrne and Brian Howard.

Defensively, the men in maroon and white must remain disciplined and contain a dangerous Dublin attack packed with experience and quality. Niall Scully, Paddy Small, Cormac Costello, Ciarán Kilkenny, Con O’Callaghan and Colm Basquel all possess the ability to punish any lapses in concentration.

O’Callaghan and Basquel were particularly influential against Donegal, combining for 1-12. However, both O’Callaghan and Costello remain injury concerns after being forced off during that game. Sean Bugler, meanwhile, made his return from injury and should be available for selection this weekend.

With Donegal and Armagh now out of the championship, the race for Sam Maguire has opened up considerably. Galway are currently second favourites at 5/1, with Kerry still remaining the team to beat.

The football championship has arguably been one of the most competitive in recent years, and for Galway, the focus is simple: overcome Dublin this weekend and secure a place in the All-Ireland semi-finals for the first time since 2024

There has rarely been much between Galway and Dublin when they meet in championship football. However, Galway have arguably displayed greater consistency throughout this season, while Dublin’s form has fluctuated significantly during 2026 and that could ultimately prove the difference this weekend.