IRRESPECTIVE of the outcome of tomorrow’s All-Ireland MHC semi-final in Croke Park, it will be a novel experience for the winners to have qualified for an All-Ireland decider. Waterford last reached the final in 1992, while Dublin’s wait stretches back to 1983.

THE splendour of their performances in Leinster led many to attach All-Ireland-winning credentials to this Dublin minor football team and in Portlaoise yesterday they offered more persuasive evidence they can this year land the county’s first national crown at this level since 1984.

CORK boss Brian Cuthbert has made three changes for Sunday’s Munster MFC final against Tipperary from the team that defeated Clare in last month’s semi-final in Cusack Park in Ennis.

DUBLIN attacking star Bernard Brogan last night insisted on Twitter that he was fouled by Kildare defender Aindriú MacLochlainn which led to the controversial free he pointed to hand Dublin victory in last Sunday’s Leinster semi-final in Croke Park.

JOHN O’BRIEN has been drafted into the Tipperary team for Sunday’s All-Ireland semi-final against Waterford in the only change from the side that defeated Galway in the quarter-final.