Gritty Galway have more room for improvement

THERE are clear parallels that can be drawn between this evening’s Bord Gáis Energy All-Ireland U21HC final between Dublin and Galway in Semple Stadium and the minor decider between the same counties last Sunday afternoon.

Dublin entered that minor clash on the back of a runaway semi-final success over Waterford and their U21 side will also have learned scant information about their capabilities when thumping Antrim in Newry three weeks ago by 26 points.

Galway’s minor team had endured a vigorous test against Clare at the All-Ireland semi-final juncture before prevailing after extra-time, while Anthony Cunningham’s U21 outfit also needed to batten down the hatches in the second-half before overcoming Limerick in their last four tie in Thurles.