Dublin’s form suggests Premier have work cut out

THE meeting of Dublin and Tipperary may not have been the final pairing envisaged at the start of the year but they have been the leading exponents in this year’s minor championship and their clash tomorrow carries plenty of intrigue.

Dublin boss Dessie Farrell has assembled a formidable side that blew away their opponents in Leinster this year. Longford did run them to five points in the quarter-final but prior to that they blitzed Westmeath by 19, crushed Kildare by 16 and Meath by 10 points in the provincial decider.

That form was maintained in the All-Ireland quarter-final against Cork when an awesome first-half display saw them lead 1-8 to 0-0 at the break. They ran out comfortable winners there and then showed they can mix it up by reacting impressively to their first serious test of the year in the All-Ireland semi-final as they overhauled the Tribesmen.

They have some wonderful talents in wing-back Jack McCaffrey, midfielder Emmet Ó Conghaile, wing-forward Gavin Ivory and marquee player Ciaran Kilkenny at full-forward.

Their physical play has overwhelmed plenty of teams this year but Tipp pack a punch in that department themselves. Stephen O’Brien, Ian Fahey and Phillip Quirke are a strong triumvirate around the middle while in defence John Meagher has been a rock at full-back as they have stemmed the concession of scores that was problematic earlier in the year.

Colin O’Riordan, the 15-year-old wing-back, has been sensational while attackers Liam McGrath, Michael Quinlivan and TJ Ryan all carry menace.

Tipperary have defied conventions all year, displaying an ability to adapt to different situations and showing a fearlessness in their play. Their journey has been wonderful and they will challenge Dublin strongly. But the power and panache displayed by Dublin entitles them to be favourites.

Verdict: Dublin