Fresher Red Hands should have edge on Laois
Instead they will be battling the might of Tyrone for their championship survival.
Late last Saturday, wing-back Kevin Fitzpatrick came close to getting a goal which would almost certainly have denied Westmeath an historic victory. But it was not to be. Given that the game was a replay, they now find themselves in the onerous situation of playing a qualifier with little time for rest or recuperation.
Tyrone will obviously come into this game fresher, except that they have not been injury-free either - with Peter Canavan again named in the substitutes panel and several others, including Enda McGinley and Collie Holmes, unavailable.
Two weeks ago they beat Galway by eight points after having disposed of Down in round two by a similar margin. However, they haven’t inspired with their recent performances, having really struggled against a Donegal side which then flopped against Armagh. Based on that display in the Ulster final, Joe Kernan’s side deserve to be regarded as favourites for the All-Ireland crown.
Tyrone and Laois last met in a competitive senior game in the 1995-96 League (when Laois won 1-10 to 1-8). And, the counties were in opposition in the 1997 minor final which was won by Laois. In different circumstances, Laois would be given a great chance of triumphing again tomorrow.
But bad luck with injuries could be their undoing along with the eight day turn around after their disheartening defeat to Westmeath.
However, on the evidence of what we have seen of Tyrone this season, they have yet to get back to the same standard as last year.
Still, I believe they will win this game, but it won’t be easy.
