Enda McGinley Down exude confidence but Galway have a higher ceiling
The Tribesmen, fancied by many to go one step further and bring home Sam this year, have stuttered during their run in the group phase, taking one of the third-placed berths following last weekend's narrow win against Armagh.
Some observers will say that they got a kind draw in now facing Conor Laverty's side. It could have been a trip to Killarney or Ballybofey.
But the Mournemen are no mugs, are scoring freely and gave Monaghan their fill of it, before losing narrowly.
Assessing where Down are following that defeat at the Athletic Grounds, Enda McGinley believes they will now relish the opportunity in taking on the Connacht men.
"Down are confident and will have not lost any of that confidence from their performance against Monaghan," McGinley said on the latest edition of the RTÉ GAA Podcast.
"They emerged with huge credit and it was right at the very death that it tailed away - with that silly three-man breach that they gave away. They got punished hard right at the end but other than that they produced a good performance. Down will be confident in getting Galway to the Marshes and will not be one bit afraid of them."
Nigel Dunne, also a contributor on this week's Podcast, alluded to Down's lack of fear, when saying: "It's power v pace here and Galway have all the advantages in size but Down are fearless and are completely bought in to what they are doing."
The former Offaly star added: "I think Down have a really good chance but they would need Galway to be five or 10% off and that is a huge possibility with the way they've been going this year. In fairness to Down I think they are the one team that capitalise on Galway being a bit off."
In assessing the championship so far, McGinley brought up the possibility of another unlikely winner, while also referencing how difficult it has been for the big guns to deliver consistent performances.
"It is all about momentum, the top teams are struggling but it is still there to be got," opined the three-time All-Ireland winner.
"This time last year, was anybody looking at Armagh as All-Ireland champions? Not a mention. The quarter-finals in Croke Park will be amazing games. The provincial champions this year have really struggled to sustain the push. The number of games, the ups and downs of the season, and the new rules means that it is tough to bring that energy every week.
"If you are a wee bit off it with the new rules and the value of the breaking ball out around the middle, teams that have that wee edge, that bit of freshness, that's where it really does count. Teams that are off it have been caught."
As to what might unfold in Newry, McGinley is accentuating the importance of just getting a win for one of the All-Ireland contenders and sees more of a threat from what Galway have up the field.
"Down are unbelievably settled, so consistent in terms of their team. Pat Havern, who was unbelievable last week, probably doesn't suit Galway's best snubber-outer of men in Jack Glynn.
"Galway have Havern to shut down but you feel there are more scoring threats in Galway. There is definitely a higher ceiling in Galway than Down and you're waiting for them to click - and now would be the perfect time for them to click. It just has to be a win; it does not have to be a statement performance."
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