Frank Roche: One Wee step for the Rossies and one giant leap to find Sam – underdogs on a last-eight mission

This year’s semi-finals will have a new look – no matter what – but can two gutsy outsiders turn history on its head?

Roscommon players, including Ultan Harney, right, celebrate after defeating Tyrone last week in Omagh. Photo: Ben McShane/Sportsfile

Frank Roche

Joe Carroll was in Inniskeen last Sunday for what he now describes as “Louth’s biggest occasion since 1957”. And if you think that bold statement requires sifting through the fact-check filter, consider this: a young Joe was at every single Louth championship match that year, culminating in All-Ireland victory over Cork.

The former Louth footballer and veteran journalist should know.