Time for Kerry to settle the score Kingdom all set for fascinating grudge match against Tyrone

ALL-IRELAND SFC QUARTER-FINAL

Kerry v Tyrone Saturday at 3.45pm Croke Park

Fierce rivals Kerry and Tyrone meet on Saturday in one of the ties of the round as the Kingdom seek to lay some ghosts to rest at Croker. While it’s a common misconception that the Red Hand County have traditionally had the upper hand in this fixture (Kerry have won four and lost four of the eight championship matches between the two), it’s certainly true Tyrone have bragging rights at the moment.

LEADER: David Clifford is chased down by Pádraig Hampsey and Conn Kilpatrick of Tyrone during the league match earlier this year. Photo: Ramsey Cardy/Sportsfile.

Their unexpected victory in the 2021 semi-final, and all the baggage surrounding it, left a mark in this part of the world. You won’t hear the players saying it in so many words but as far as supporters are concerned, this is a shot at revenge.

The good news is that Gavin White (calf) and Paul Geaney (hamstring) have recovered from the injuries that ruled them out of the last game against Louth. Killian Spillane (ankle) is unavailable but if Kerry manage to navigate their quarter-final, the Templenoe man could play a part in subsequent rounds.

Tyrone are looking quite strong them- selves after seeing off Ulster rivals Donegal in the preliminary quarter-final. The Canavan brothers, Darragh and Ruairí, will take minding and they are also strong at midfield where the imposing figures of Conn Kilpatrick and Brian Kennedy have the potential to dominate.

Feargal Logan and Brian Dooher’s team are slight underdogs according to the bookmakers but that’s exactly how they like it. Kerry know that anything short of their best will more than likely signal the end of their summer.

Kerry v Tyrone will be followed by Armagh v Monaghan at 6pm. Somewhat controversially, neither of the Saturday games will be on free-to-air television. They will instead be shown on GAAGO. So far Kerry have appeared on RTÉ just once during the 2023 championship. The Sunday double-header will be live on RTÉ. Derry v Cork begins at 1.45pm with Dublin v Mayo getting underway at 4pm. All matches will be decided on the day. That means extra time and penalties if necessary.

The Kerry ladies are also in action this weekend. They take on Cavan in Austin Stack Park on Saturday at 12.30pm. Victory will see them top their group and secure a home All-Ireland quarter-final in the process. The match can be streamed via the LGFA’s official livestreaming portal.