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K elly Mallon was captain of the Armagh team that lost out to Kerry in last Saturday's TG4 All-Ireland Senior Championship quarter-final. Looking ahead to the semi-final between Kerry and Mayo, Kelly runs the rule over the two teams vying for a place in the Croke Park Final on Sunday July 31. Q: Hi, Kelly, and thanks for chatting to us. How have you been since last Saturday's game? A: I'm gutted, we all are. We're very disappointed with the out- come of last Saturday's game, for many reasons. We missed three or four goal chances and we didn't use the ball very well in the second half, both of which are totally in our control. Our second half performance was way below the standards we set for ourselves. Q: Looking ahead to the semi-final, how do you rate the chances of Kerry? A: Having played them twice this year and falling short both times, I really think Kerry can go all the way. They are well organised, physically strong and have the ability upfront to convert their chances. Q: And if Mayo are to win this semi-final, what do they have to do? A: If Mayo can limit Louise Ní Mhuircheartaigh, and stop her supply through Niamh Carmody and Anna Galvin, that'll cause Kerry problems. Danielle O'Leary will need to be well marked too. Mayo need to win the breaking ball in play and on Kerry's kickouts. They generally want a short kickout but if it's not on they'll look for Lorraine Scanlon to break the ball and they get players around her. If Mayo can get a quick transition from defence to attack, they can expose the space around the D, particularly when Kerry press high on the op- position kickouts. Q: Where do you see the semi-final being won and lost? A: If Mayo can get to grips with Kerry's use of the breaking ball, that'll be a good platform for them. Kerry can be exposed around the D and I'm sure Mayo will have picked up on that. Player match-ups will be intriguing and vital for both sides. Q: Who are the key players that we should be looking out for on both sides? A: Louise Ní Mhuircheartaigh is Kerry's go-to scorer but Niamh Carmody and Anna Galvin are the players that make things happen for Kerry. Kathryn Sullivan has been leading by as captain in an emerging Mayo team, while the Cafferky sisters, Lisa and Sinead, have been moving well too. Q: Will you watch the remainder of the championship games or would you find it too difficult? A: I will of course, it will be difficult no doubt but considering my personal interest and investment in the sport, I will be watching the games to see who comes out on top. Q: Despite going out of the Championship, Kelly, how satisfy- ing was it for you to recover from long-term injury concerns to play your part? A: Extremely satisfying! I feel incredibly lucky and filled with pride every time I pull on the Armagh jersey and play along- side such a brilliant bunch of girls. I'm just sorry I couldn't do more on the day to help get us over the line. Q: Finally, sum up how you see the semi-final going, and predict a winner? A: Difficult one to call and I don't predict there'll be much between the sides. Both have momentum after some great victories but I think Kerry have a bit more belief that they're genuine All-Ireland contenders. TG4 ALL-IRELAND SFC SEMI-FINAL PREVIEW KELLY MALLON Q&A