‘Real football is coming’ – All-Ireland shadow boxing is over, says ex-Kerry star

Kerry’s All-Ireland winning captain Seamus Moynihan declared that the ‘real football is coming now’ after his county were drawn against National League Division 1 champions Derry in the All-Ireland senior football championship quarter-finals.

They will take prime afternoon billing on Sunday afternoon at Croke Park – 3.15pm throw-in – with Donegal taking on Louth at 1.15pm.

On Saturday night, holders Dublin face Connacht champions Galway at 6.15pm, while Armagh meet Roscommon at 4pm.

‘I’m really looking forward to the quarter-finals because the gun is to the head now and the shadow boxing is over,’ said Moynihan.

‘The group stage with three teams coming out of it, I’m certainly not a fan of that. It’s just too easy to come out.

‘There was certainly a dip after the provincial championships, which were very interesting because everyone wants to win.

‘But the group stage was a damp squib. There were very few games I got really excited about. Two out of the group is plenty for me and the games would be more competitive.’

‘This is going to be a really, really good test. Derry have fumbled through the group stage but you could see in extra-time – they actually got the break to get the draw against Mayo – they were the better team.

‘They will be going to Croke Park extremely united and confident that they can get back into the penultimate stages of the All-Ireland.’