Buzz building as Big Smoke gets fired up

PERHAPS ominously for Kerry people, it’s been 16 years since Hill 16 last witnessed Dublin in an All-Ireland final.

The delight at bridging the lengthy gap since the Dubs last had a hand on the Sam Maguire Cup has ensured that they’ll be singing the blues this weekend — win, lose or draw.

Excitement has been building slowly in the capital over the past week as the city has turned increasingly a shade of blue with the large number of flags and bunting decorating the suburbs.

The dream final which pairs old rivals Dublin and Kerry in a final for the first time since 1985 has ensured tension is reaching fever pitch for one of the most eagerly-awaited September showdowns in recent years.

The contest is being characterised as a battle between the hunger of the Dubs and the Kingdom’s vast experience as Kerry go in pursuit of a record 37th All-Ireland title.

Largely avoiding the hype that has repeatedly dogged Dublin’s expectation levels since their last All-Ireland victory in 1995, the build-up in the county to tomorrow’s final has been relatively muted.

Nevertheless, it didn’t stop the city breaking out in a sea of blue yesterday as hundreds of schoolchildren were allowed wear their GAA jerseys to class.

Arnotts have reported a massive surge in people buying the famous sky blue, with sales of the Dublin jersey outselling the Irish rugby jersey three to one.

“There is great excitement across Dublin with the final coming up tomorrow and it is evident through the Dublin jersey sales over the past couple of weeks,” said Arnotts’ retail director Leesa Kavanagh.

Tickets for the final are virtual gold dust with 82,300 fans expected to fill Croke Park.

Demand for tickets is particularly strong in Dublin. Websites are seeking €800 for a premium seat, while a ticket for Hill 16 will set fans back a mere €400.

Kerry’s greater experience has ensured Jack O’Connor’s team start strong favourites at 4/6, while Dublin are being quoted at 7/4 to take Sam home.

Sadly for the Dubs, there is little chance of an unusual chapter of All-Ireland history from just over 100 years ago repeating itself.

The 1910 final was awarded to Louth after the Kerry team refused to travel to Croke Park in protest at the refusal of the railway company to sell tickets to fans at reduced rates.

Iarnród Éireann have been criticised this week for charging some Kerry fans several times the standard weekend fare... but such a price will prove a small cost if the Kingdom triumphs over its old enemy.