Lyons tries to ignore hype ahead of game

WHATEVER the public expectations in the capital, Tommy Lyons and his charges are trying to avoid being smothered in the hype by concentrating firmly and solely on the Bank of Ireland SFC quarter-final against Donegal in Croke Park this evening, (4.15pm).

But is such expectation romping through both city and county fully deserved.

The merit of the twin victories over Meath and Kildare has been questioned in some quarters as a result of what happened in subsequent outings After snatching a dramatic (and controversial) win over Louth in the qualifier competition, Meath weren’t able for Donegal. Likewise, Kildare didn’t make a great impression against Kerry. The failure of Meath to advance was surprising, given the improvement in their play against Louth. In Kildare’s case, it’s possible that a two weeks break wasn’t enough. Writing in this paper last Saturday, Mick O’Dwyer said they could have done with an extra week.