Four different teams vying to join Galway and Dublin in semi-final and this is how each of them can do it

Michael Corry

As we head into the final round of games in the first ever Super 8 series, it really is all to play for with four teams fighting it out for two semi-final spots.

We know already that both Galway and Dublin have guaranteed their passage through to the final four, but only Dublin have nailed down a top spot, so they could still potentially meet each other, depending on results.

Let’s have a look through all the possible permutations as we head into the final round of games.

Group 1

Source: @gaaleaguetables

Galway currently sit atop group 1 having picked up maximum points against Kerry and Kildare.

They will welcome Monaghan in two weeks time knowing that a draw will ensure they finish as group winners. Should they lose to Monaghan, they will still qualify but the Farney men will leapfrog them into first place, leaving Galway to face Dublin in the semi-finals.

Monaghan are in a sticky situation. A draw in Salthill will mean qualification for a first All-Ireland semi-final in 30 years as group runners-up. However, finishing second place will set up a semi-final clash with champions Dublin. If they lose to Galway, qualification is still a possibility depending on the Kerry v Kildare result.

So, the game in Salthill will decide who tops the group and avoids a clash with Dublin, meanwhile a draw will see both teams qualify as it currently stands.

Kerry looked set to bow out of the championship with a whimper in Clones, until a last gasp goal from David Clifford renewed hope in the Kingdom faithful that they can still pull a semi-final spot out of the bag.

Eamon Fitzmaurice’s charges will need Galway to topple Monaghan first and foremost. If that does indeed happen then the Kingdom will have to overturn a 5-point swing in order to make the last four. It is a big ask, and totally out of their hands, but this is Kerry afterall.

Having lost their opening two games, we already know that Kildare are out of the competition. That does not mean they can’t have a say on matters though. In two weeks time they travel to Killarney looking to finish their campaign on a high and the expense of Kerry’s elimination.

Galway are already qualified:

A draw will see them top the group
A loss will will see them finish second in the group

Kerry will qualify if:

Kerry beat Kildare, Monaghan lose to Galway and there’s a six-point swing
Kerry beat Kildare, Monaghan lose to Galway and there’s a five-point swing (and Kerry score more than two more than Monaghan)

Monaghan will qualify if:

Monaghan beat Galway
Monaghan draw with Galway
Kerry draw or lose with/to Kildare
Monaghan lose and Kerry win but there is not more than a five-point swing in scoring difference

Group 2

Source: @gaaleaguetables

The second group is a bit more easier to understand than the first. All-Ireland champions Dublin have guaranteed top spot due to their wins over both Donegal and Tyrone. Whereas, Roscommon hopes lie in ruins after being defeated by Donegal and Tyrone

This means that the final game between these sides looks to be a dead duck. Dublin guaranteed top, Roscommon guaranteed bottom. Not much else to say really.

When it comes to group 2 all eyes will be firmly set on the clash between the Ulster rivals in Ballybofey. No need to look at points difference or head to head records, given both their results so far, this game is a straight shoot-out for a place in the semi-finals.

So there you have it. The finale of the Super 8s looks set to be a cracker with each team in Group 1 having a say on who goes through and goes home. Whilst Group 2 is set up for a heavyweight Ulster clash in order to determine who makes it to the semi-finals alongside Dublin.

The championship is really hotting up now. Be sure not miss it.

Dublin have finished top no matter what:

Even if they lose to Roscommon and Tyrone or Donegal win, Dublin are ahead of both of those counties on head-to-head so first place is guaranteed

Tyrone will qualify if:

They draw with Donegal

Donegal will qualify if:

They beat Tyrone

There will be no calculators needed. Dublin will finish top and either Tyrone or Donegal will join them in the quarters – that game in Ballybofey will determine who.