Improving Galway ready to book their semi-final place

All-Ireland SFC Quarter-Final: Galway v Tipperary, Croke Park, Sunday, 4.0 (RTÉ 1)

The Sunday Game panel will have to watch themselves on this one, as players from both teams have been venting their displeasure with the programme.

For Damien Comer it was the casual writing off of Galway's chances against Mayo in the Connacht semi-final and for Tipperary's Alan Moloney the somewhat more distinctive complaint that Messrs Brolly and O'Rourke were seen creased up with laughter before analysing the first half of the Munster final, which was described as "not a proper championship match".

There's a whole suite of significant possibilities hanging on this encounter, which sees Tipperary reviving the county's venerable football credentials by reaching the modern All-Ireland quarter-finals for the first time.

It’s the first clash of the remaining two counties with double aspirations – the hurlers meet in a fortnight – and would represent Galway’s first win at this stage since the inaugural year of 2001 should Kevin Walsh’s side successful negotiate the hurdle at which the county has fallen five times in the last 15 years.

For Tipperary this has already been a memorable season. Despite a litany of absentees from the team they recorded a first championship win over Cork in 72 years and a thrilling victory against Derry at Cavan just last week.

Galway’s emergence from years of depression has been potentially the most notable story of the season and Walsh’s combination of a playing system in keeping with modern requirements with an attack that looked razor sharp in Castlebar against Roscommon has been impressive.

On paper that attack with Comer as the fulcrum and the pace and incisiveness of Danny Cummins as well as the high-end skills of Shane Walsh should be made for Croke Park but Tipperary have been very consistent and even up against Kerry, calm and controlled.

Their own forwards produced fireworks last week with Conor Sweeney's terrific shooting from play and the threat posed by Michael Quinlivan and the attack's overall qualities of pace and accomplished interplay.

Galway though defend less chaotically than Derry and have a formidable centrefield with Paul Conroy in top form.

Given the loss of outstanding players like Colin O’Riordan, now in the AFL, Tipp have done really well to refashion their challenge but it’s hard to see them carrying those burdens any farther.

The Lowdown

Previously: Two years ago Galway defeated Tipperary in a high-scoring R4 qualifier, 4-17 to 4-12.

You bet: Galway 4/11, Tipperary 11/4 and the draw at 10/1.

Injuries: Cathal Sweeney is out for Galway, potentially for the season, having dislocated his shoulder.

GALWAY: B Power; E Kerin, D Kyne, D Wynne; L Silke, G O'Donnell, G Bradshaw; P Conroy, T Flynn; G Sice, D Comer, J Heaney; E Brennigan, S Walsh, D Cummins .

TIPPERARY: E Comerford; C O'Shaughnessy, A Campbell, C McDonald; B Maher, R Kiely, J Fehan; P Acheson (capt), G Hannigan; J Keane, K O'Halloran, B Fox; P Austin, M Quinlivan, C Sweeney.

Referee: Conor Lane (Cork).

Just the ticket: Stand €30, terrace €20 and juveniles €5 – €10 rebate concessions for students and senior citizens in Cusack and Davin Stands.

Verdict: Galway