We analyse the key battles that will take place in Croke Park this Sunday between two sides who know each other all too well
Michael Fitzsimons v Ryan O’Donoghue
If you heard Ryan O’Donoghue’s name being mentioned this week, it was probably about his attempt to escape any trouble that involved him and Galway captain Seán Kelly last weekend.
The GAA’s CCCC were set to examine the incident but the inconclusive nature of what the video shows has made any disciplinary charge against the player most unlikely.
Had the footage of him tripping Kelly captured the entire incident, O’Donoghue could potentially have found himself facing at least a one-game ban.
The ‘Bullet from Belmullet’ is having a strong season after a poor 2022 where he spent most of the year on the sideline due to a groin injury.
This weekend O’Donoghue will have a different task in being followed by an individual who is one of 12 players with the distinction of winning eight All-Ireland senior football medals.
Cuala defender Michael Fitzsimons missed the Leinster final but returned for the three All-Ireland group stages but had very little to do, most certainly during Dublin’s last two matches against Kildare and Sligo.
It will be interesting to see how the veteran full-back does coming up against a player who has 16 points to his name in Mayo’s last four outings.
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