Westmeath's surprise Leinster SFC quarter-final victory over Meath has put Down's place in the Sam Maguire Cup in jeopardy.

Down looked to have assured themselves of a place in the All-Ireland SFC series when they were crowned Allianz League Division 3 champions last month but, if Westmeath beat Kildare to reach the Leinster SFC final, the Mournemen would also need to qualify for the Ulster SFC final which would be no easy feat as they would have to defeat Allianz League champions Donegal in the quarter-final and more than likely Armagh in the semi-final to get there.

As reigning Tailteann Cup champions, Kildare are guaranteed a place in the Sam Maguire, but Down may yet need a huge favour from them by taking out Westmeath. Meath's early exit from Leinster has no impact on their participation in the All-Ireland series as they are bound for Division 1 next season.

Ironically, Westmeath - who finished third in Division 3 this spring after a last-gasp defeat to Wexford - pipped Down for a place in the Sam Maguire two years ago by beating them in the Allianz League Division 3 final. Only last week, Kerry legend Pat Spillane argued that Mark McHugh's men were too strong for the Tailteann Cup.

Down will also be hoping that there are no upsets in the other provinces where Cork and Kerry will be expected to reach the Munster final, and Galway will be heavily favoured to see off Leitrim in their upcoming Connacht SFC semi-final. 

Meanwhile, the Leinster SFC semi-final fixtures details have been confirmed following yesterday's quarter-final action.

Holders Louth will take on Dublin in Laois Hire O'Moore Park on Saturday, May 2, while Westmeath and Kildare face off in the other last-four tie the following day at Glenisk O'Connor Park.

2026 Leinster senior football semi-finals

Saturday, May 2

Louth v Dublin, Laois Hire O’Moore Park, Portlaoise, 7pm – GAA+.

Sunday, May 3

Kildare v Westmeath, Glenisk O’Connor Park, Tullamore, 2pm - GAA+.

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