Four forwards who are going well

Mike Finnerty | 19 June 2025

Exclusive this Weekend on GAA+, Preliminary All Ireland Quarter Finals

Paddy Lynch - Cavan

The sight of the Crosserlough star shooting nine points last weekend was one of the few positives for Cavan fans to take from their heavy defeat to Tyrone.

It was a first start for Lynch since he tore his ACL last April and the fact he was moving well, kicked his frees, drilled a couple of two-point efforts, and came through with flying colours is a big boost ahead of Saturday’s trip to Killarney.

The 25 year-old racked up 8-146 from 38 games across all three competitions from his debut season in 2022 up until his knee injury last year.

His return gives Cavan’s attack an extra dimension.

Pat Havern - Down

There are very few forwards in the country who have been as consistently prolific when it comes to racking up huge tallies this season.

Havern produced another eye-catching display last Sunday against Monaghan when he shot 0-12, including three two-point frees, on the way to winning another man of the match award.

The Saval sharpshooter is lethal from long-range and a staggering 14 two-pointers during the Allianz League underlines his ability to do damage.

Last season he was named ‘Player of the Year’ in the Tailteann Cup but he has really made his mark in the Sam Maguire Cup recently.

Galway have been warned.

Shane Walsh - Galway

His reputation as one of game’s great entertainers was endorsed again last weekend with a superb man of the match display against Armagh.

Not alone did Walsh land the winning score after the hooter had sounded, his ninth point of an impressive evening’s work, but he led the line like only he can from start to finish.

The mercurial forward plays off the cuff and tends to go off script at times, but he remains a key man in Galway’s game-plan, especially in the absence of the injured Damien Comer.

The 32 year-old will be tightly-marked by Down’s defence on Sunday, and it will be fascinating to see if he can pick up where he left off against the All-Ireland champions.

Sam Mulroy - Louth

He may have written his name into the record books by captaining Louth to their first Leinster title since 1957, but the Wee County’s talisman is not resting on his laurels

Mulroy’s tally of 1-7 was instrumental in Louth’s win over Meath, but he has really found another gear during the All-Ireland Series.

Between games against Monaghan, Down and Clare, Mulroy clocked up 3-20 and showed just why he’s regarded as one of the country’s top marksmen.

Louth will need the 27 year-old from Naomh Mairtin to be at his best against Donegal on Sunday if they’re to have any chance of upsetting the odds.