Preview: All Ireland SFC Qualifiers Round 3A
Aidan O Shea was influential for Mayo against Derry last Saturday at Elverys MacHale Park.
Saturday July 8
All Ireland Senior Football Championship Qualifiers Round 3A
Clare v Mayo, Cusack Park, Ennis, 5pm
It is 15 years since Mayo last clashed with Clare at senior level in the Allianz Football League.
Clare and Mayo have never met in the Championship, but the Green and Red have claimed All Ireland Under 21 silverware in Ennis in 2006 and 2016.
Last weekend Clare registered a splendid Round 2A win over Laois, it was a display that confirmed the strides that the Banner have taken under Colm Collins.
The passionate Clare manager continues to extract purposeful performances, but Mayo will be a demanding assignment.
After Clare had easily defeated Laois, Mayo encountered difficulties with Derry. Most importantly of all, though, Mayo did enough to win, even if it arrived following a drama laden 90 minutes.
The goal scoring impact of substitutes Conor Loftus and Jason Doherty bodes well.
Loftus flared to prominence in the All Ireland Under 21 decider against Cork in 2016 in Ennis.
A calm finisher Loftus has the potential to produce for Mayo, who were inspired against Derry by Aidan O'Shea.
The bustling Breffyman took responsibility in that match, repeatedly driving Mayo forward.
Clare will need to restrict his influence, but Collins' team can perform when top calibre opposition visit Cusack Park.
Kerry were given a real fright at the Munster SFC Semi-Final stage especially in the first half when David Tubridy was a serious threat inside.
Eoin Cleary is another accomplished strike forward for Clare, who are quietly optimistic about causing a surprise.
MAYO: David Clarke; Brendan Harrison, Ger Cafferkey, Chris Barrett; Lee Keegan, Colm Boyle, Donal Vaughan; Seamus O'Shea, Tom Parsons; Fergal Boland, Aidan O'Shea, Diarmuid O'Connor; Kevin McLoughlin, Cillian O'Connor, Conor Loftus.
Donegal forward Paddy McBrearty.
Meath v Donegal, Pairc Tailteann, Navan, 6pm
Shaky Round 2A victories didn't fill either team with confidence, but that could alter dramatically on Saturday.
A second Championship triumph would offer optimism and hope, while also steering whoever prevails into the last 12.
That isn't a bad place to be and a bumper crowd will flock to the Navan venue looking for evidence.
It has been a strange campaign for Meath, who showed signs of improvement in the Allianz Football League, but ultimately failed in their quest to earn promotion from Division Two.
Meath's high scoring Leinster Championship match with Louth followed, but the Royals were soundly beaten by Kildare.
Graham Reilly can cause damage, Donal Lenihan is a sharp inside forward, while Mickey Newman’s return from injury offers another option.
Andy McEntee's charges did enough to overcome a spirited Sligo, but Donegal represent a step-up.
Rory Gallagher integrated several promising youngsters during the spring as Donegal established a solid Division One base.
Then Donegal cruised past Antrim, but the loss to Tyrone was both significant and also a setback.
It meant last weekend's tussle with Longford was loaded with danger, but Donegal progressed.
Paddy McBrearty guided over the scores that truly mattered in the second half, but Donegal now face a tough test.
MEATH: Paddy O'Rourke; Donal Keogan, Conor McGill, Mickey Burke; Padraic Harnan, Brian Power, Shane McEntee; Bryan Menton, Ronan Jones; James McEntee, Cillian O'Sullivan, Ruairi O'Coileain; Graham Reilly, Sean Tobin, Donal Lenihan.
