Dublin hold the aces in attack

Jim O'Sullivan

Holders Meath didn’t make it, but Dublin and Kildare each attract huge followings and their rivalry will be no less intense. And, if Mick O’Dwyer sticks to his word about retiring (and we don’t have a replay), it will end a remarkable odyssey for him and the Lilywhites over the past decade.

Based on the way the draw turned out, it was fairly predictable that either Dublin or Meath would come through on their side and that Kildare stood the best chance of advancing from the other. Of course, there was always the possibility that Meath would not make it, that Westmeath would do to them what they threatened to accomplish in three meetings last year, But, a serious number of injures severely limited the Midlanders this season - even though they still only lost by four points.

Kildare survived a poor opener against Louth, winning by just a mere point. Then, after being held to a draw by Offaly, the goal-scoring of Dermot Earley, Eddie McCormack and Ronan Sweeney (plus the advantage of an extra man from the 25th minute) saw them through the replay in extra time.

For their part Dublin were anything but impressive against a strong Wexford side which had proved itself in the League, winning by a mere two points. However, they were a very different team against Meath.

The composition of both the Dublin and Kildare teams has been altered substantially since their last clash, in the replayed 2000 final. Dublin played superbly in the second quarter and looked to be in a strong position at the interval when leading by six points. But, within 90 seconds of the resumption, Kildare had the ball in the net twice and Dublin never survived from the shock. Then manager Tommy Carr made the interesting comment that his team was ‘too damaged psycholgically,’ to turn it around!

O’Dwyer, meanwhile, said it was ’as good as any occasion’ he had enjoyed as Kerry manager.

Last season Dublin lost in the final to Meath (who had put out Kildare) and after drawing with Kerry in the All-Ireland quarter-final in Thurles, lost the replay by three points. The manner of their defeat was an indictment of the way they played - plenty of ball up front, but no real method - and it was to cost Carr his job.

To be fair to Tommy Lyons, there has been a significant improvement in this respect. However, it’s still a bit early to be passing judgment on the team.

Ex-minor Alan Brogan promises to be a huge addition to the attack, which has also benefited from a return to form by Colin Moran after finally overcoming a series of injures. And Ray Cosgrove played a crucial role with two goals. Three years ago he came in as a substitute in the final against Meath - replacing Dessie Farrell after 15 minutes - but was withdrawn 20 minutes from the end. His display the last day was a just reward for his perseverance, but, this time he will face an even bigger test.

Not unexpectedly, after the semi-final win, Dublin are regarded as favourites. But, the more cautious among their supporters will recognise that while they were the better team for a long time the last day, Meath were without Ollie Murphy (who made a belated appearance) and yet were coming back strongly into contention until they conceded the second goal.

Even against a weak Laois side last weekend, Meath looked a much better side, with Murphy very influential and a lot of others in much better form.

What probably distinguishes Dublin from Kildare is that in their good spell against Meath they played a better brand of football. On paper, a Kildare attack, notable for the surprise omission of Padraig Brennan, does not seem to offer as much threat.

And, it will be acknowledged that they have newcomers in defence, in the key positions of full and centre-back, as well as in goal.

Nobody will question the character of either team, yet winning and losing may all boil down to who copes best with the pressure.

The indications are that it will be Dublin, but I wouldn’t bet on it.