It wouldn’t be a Championship without a Mayo drama and the showdown looms in two weeks’ time for the clash between Mayo and Donegal for a place in the All Ireland semi-final.

Donegal however, are coming good and despite missing players, have to be pleased with themselves and their performance in the draw against Kerry.

On this week’s Throw-In, Ciaran Whelan joins Will Slattery and Donnchadh Boyle to assess the potential of the rivals to Dublin’s crown, though Kerry, Donegal and Mayo have some way to go before being considered as serious contenders.

As for Diarmuid Connolly’s return, Whelan says he’s there for a reason, though not for the starting XV,
“Jim Gavin brought him back because of his X factor and Dublin will need a significant impact for the last 15-20mins off the bench. There’s no one better than Connolly. He’s been brought back for that purpose.”

Also on the show, the panel discuss the future of the Super 8s and why it needs to expand to ten teams, while the Rising Stars this week are Donegal’s Oisin Gallen and a special mention for the under-rated but still rising, Stephen O’Brien from Kerry.

For more from the Throw-In, visit the show page at:
www.independent.ie/podcasts/the-throw-in/

The Throw-In is in association with Bord Gáis Energy.

** Get free tickets to The Throw-In Live in Wexford in association with Bord Gáis Energy **

We’re bringing the Throw-In Live to the Ashdown Park Hotel in Gorey on July 25th and we’re giving you a chance to be there on the night. Tickets are free but you’ll need to register your details below to be in with a chance, with 50 pairs of tickets going on a first-come first-serve basis.

Click here to register:
https://competitions.independent.ie/preview/get-free-tickets-to-the-throw-in-live-in-wexford-in-association-with-bord-gais-energy.html

Hear from John Mullane and his thoughts on the 'Wexicans', Brendan Cummins and why Tipp will win, Ursula Jacob and Billy Byrne for the Wexford view, and Colm Keys and Michael Verney from INM who will be assessing Davy Fitzgerald and Wexford's chances. 

Plus, we’ll have great prizes to give away on the night, including tickets to the semi-finals and signed Limerick, Kilkenny, Wexford and Tipperary jerseys.

Doors open at 6pm with the show taking place between 7pm and 8pm.

Please note that this event will also be recorded and broadcast live on Independent.ie's Facebook channel.

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.