After an underwhelming opening weekend, the Super 8s came alive this weekend with the Dublin v Tyrone, Kildare v Galway and Monaghan v Kerry ties serving up plenty of drama at packed provincial venues.

"It was a brilliant weekend," enthused Oisin McConville on RTÉ Radio 1's Morning Ireland.

"First of all, the sense of occasion, the provincial grounds, what it brought to the Super 8s... but it was also matched by the quality of football we saw.

"I think a lot of the time there's a knee-jerk reaction to what we witness and truly the first weekend of the Super 8s wasn't great, but this weekend has made up for that and more. It was absolutely exceptional."

The former Armagh star, who defended the new format in the face of some fierce criticism last weekend, added: "I was lucky enough to be in Clones. I witnessed not just a great game but a team (Kerry) absolutely fighting for their life. That David Clifford goal summed up the weekend and how dramatic it was.

"It might be hugely costly for Monaghan. The tables have been turned completely. A 19-year-old dragged Kerry back into the competition kicking and screaming. 

"The cream is coming to the top. Kildare put up a brilliant show, but Galway were able to get over the line and now they're comfortably into the last four. What a job Kevin Walsh and his backroom team have done over the last couple of years."

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