North and south in battle for supremacy

IRELAND and Australia may be renewing their tetchy rivalry in Perth this week but an altogether more ancient struggle will get its latest airing at Parnell Park tonight when the best the northside and southside can muster battle for the Dublin SFC title.

Kilmacud Crokes will travel north of the Liffey as clear favourites and can make a strong case for the crown of Dublin’s best club of the last decade having contested five of the last 10 deciders (winning three).

They owe their presence in this final to a semi-final replay win over All-Ireland champions St Vincent’s and, though they boast attackers like Mark Vaughan and Longford All Star Brian Kavanagh in their ranks, it is their defence which has caught the eye.