Final fear and loathing

Mick O'Dwyer Championship Watch

A passionate man, I have seen him reduced to tears after defeats by Kerry. It's become something of a cliché to say the great Kerry side of the 70's and 80's had as much respect for Cork as they did for Dublin, but it's true. There was never a stage where Dublin were clearly superior to Cork the only difference was we met Dublin in All-Ireland finals. The years where Cork shortened our season, they invariably made hay it's hardly a coincidence that Billy was at the helm when they completed four Munsters in-a-row in the late 80's.

Last year in Killarney must have eaten him up. Rest assured, there won't be any such capitulation in Páirc Ui Chaoimh tomorrow; this is Morgan's All-Ireland final.

Therefore, expect a ferocious opening 20 minutes. Kerry already are. I can relate to Jack O'Connor's statements this week about a sharper edge in training since the Limerick semi-final. The nature of that victory allied to the prospect of a serious challenge to their provincial title have clearly focused players' minds.

I saw it after Laois struggled past Offaly. There is an unspoken recognition from intelligent players that 'nearly', 'almost' and 'not bad' are not acceptable. The ante must be upped.

So, it will be a great surprise to me if Cork out-fight the All-Ireland champions.

The game should be won and lost on football ability, and on that score, Kerry look good.

Cork will come, I have no doubt about that. But this season is a campaign too soon. They have promising talent in Masters, Hayes and Gould, and the places for competition is keen when Martin Cronin is unable to find a spot. Morgan has opted for the hardy Noel O'Leary, underlining that Cork intend to rattle Kerry, and they have placed Graham Canty at full-back to add some presence in an area of the field where Kerry must produce scores. The message is clear Cork are lying in wait.

Eamon Fitzmaurice and William Kirby are unlucky to lose out in the Kerry line-up, but what experience to have if things need stabilising. Seamus Moynihan had to be accommodated if he is fully fit, and he has a critical role in neutralising either Conor

McCarthy or James Masters, depending on where he starts.

Kerry supporters are somewhat anxious after the patchy display in Limerick, but the doubters were saying the same thing last year after Kerry escaped to victory in Killarney against the same opposition. Also, there is comfort in the opposition no Kerry team would dare take an eye off the ball with Cork at Páirc Uí Chaoimh ahead of them.

It's a good decision to restore Dara Ó Cinnéide to the full forward line. He led the line well in Limerick, but he is a top notch free-taker, and any side that goes into a big game without such a man is asking for trouble.

That means no place for Bryan Sheehan, Declan Quill or Ronan O'Connor, each of whom would command a place on most other provincial final fifteens.

Remember, for all their young talent, Cork need to re-establish a winning habit at senior level. Last year's defeat to Fermanagh was a humbling experience, irrespective of what the Ulster men did afterwards. Cork haven't won a senior or U21 All-Ireland in over a decade, and they need to break that cycle before they achieve the same self-belief as the All-Ireland champions.

Kerry will be well prepared. The fear factor will be their friend, and they expect to win. That could be the difference in Munster.

Experience may not necessarily be Armagh's friend in the Ulster final at Croke Park. While the All-Ireland

U21 success of last year against Mayo has its own dividends, there is a lot of mileage on the clock for this team. I count at least eight of Joe Kernan's side that has been in situ for six or seven seasons and they have been bruising seasons.

Peter Canavan's injuries have, like Seamus Moynihan, been a blessing for his appetite, and his colleagues have been waiting since last August for redemption from that Mayo defeat. The appointment of Pat McEnaney should also ensure that football is the predominant theme, which will also aid Tyrone.

Unlike Cork, Galway are enjoying success at U21 level, and the introduction of several of this year's winning side into the senior ranks will be watched with interest at Pearse Stadium tomorrow.

Mayo have that enigmatic streak that renders any prediction futile. But Galway's attacking options are as good as Kerry's, and if they are considered underdogs tomorrow, I go for an upset home win.