Clean sheets priceless

Of the octet remaining in this year’s All-Ireland championship, there are still clear favourites and underdogs.

Nothing strange there. Even if seven of this year’s Division 1 remain with a promoted Kildare, there are strong reasons why Dublin and Mayo are so fancied on Saturday. Down are the only team left in the competition that have conceded two goals in a game this summer — last month’s Ulster final against Donegal.

Laois’s record is a little better. They, like Kerry, have coughed up three goals in five games but don’t boast the same firepower or class as their southern brethren.