Fr. Liam Kelleher gives his predictions for this weekends quarter-finals

Suzuki Ladies Football National League.
Quarter Finals throw up some interesting pairings.

The “Shadow boxing” is now over and its down to very serious business this week-end for the Suzuki National League Quarter finals. The only major surprise is the elimination of Waterford, who lost by a point last week-end to Meath in a play off.

Meath go into the lions den when they take on Mayo the reigning All-Ireland Champions in Ballinrobe, on Sunday at 1pm. Meath arrived on the scene a few years ago they promised much, but they flattered to deceive and were left with just two Leinster titles. For such an ambitious footballing Co this was not entirely acceptable and they have another chance to win something big at National level. Mayo on the other hand have done what, their male counterparts have failed to do and with 4 All-Ireland appearances on the trot, with 3 wins, they are the team to topple. Meath will try hard to do that on Sunday, but may not yet be ready . 
Prediction Mayo win.

The Quarter Finals open on Saturday with Dublin at home to Kerry at Parnell Park at 1.15pm. Kerry are the form team up to now and have been quite impressive in all their outings defeating the big 2 Mayo and Monaghan but losing to lowly Clare and Dublin the Leinster champions, on the other hand have been showing topsy turvy form, but if they are on song, they can be a match for anybody. Kerry who have not won a championship match in all of 10 years will be going all out to win and restore the glory days which saw them win 11 All-Ireland titles and seven in a a row between ’82 and ’90. Dublin will have huge home support, worth a few scores no doubt, a tough one to call.
Prediction Kerry win

On Sunday Monaghan take on Laois at Kiffany timed for noon. Monaghan still disappointed at their All-Ireland loss to Mayo have been struggling big time, so far in the league and had to rely on a playoff to reach the knockout stages. Laois Champions from 2 years ago, have been equally inconsistent. All these factors should make for an intriguing game. Monaghan buoyed with the return of some of their star players will be anxious to get back on track and with Laois equally determined a thriller is in store.
Prediction Monaghan win

Galway the reigning All-Ireland champions at Junior level, and in the higher echelons for the first time, have been acquitting themselves well. They have a great underage structure contesting the All-Ireland Minor under 16 and 14 finals last year. They won the minor and lost out to an exceptional Cork teams at under 16 and 14 level. They are highly organised and highly motivated and while they may have been disappointed at their loss to Mayo, they have ample opportunity to atone on Sunday. They face a Tyrone team who are slowly but surely moving out of the shadows of Monaghan in Ulster, whether this will be their year remains to be seen. Definitely 2 teams on the up and again a kick of a ball could decide the issue. The game is fixed for St Loma’s in Mullingar on Sunday at 2pm.
Prediction Galway win

Other games.

Longford and Clare meet at Ballymahon on Saturday at 1pm to decide who stays up and who will be relegated to Div 2

In Division 2 playoffs Tipperary Play Sligo at Ardrahan on Sunday at 3pm. Down play Armagh.

Finally in Div 3 Wicklow play Offaly in a playoff at Newtownmountkennedy at 12.30pm.