Whelan tips Kerry for Croker glory

Dublin midfielder Ciaran Whelan is expecting today's All-Ireland SFC final to go right down to the wire, with Kerry to "pip it".

Whelan got up close and personal with Mayo's midfield maestro Ronan McGarrity during the Dubs' semi-final defeat, and although he missed the league clash with Kerry in April due to injury, the Raheny clubman has plenty of memories of lining out against the Kingdom.

"Midfield will be a big area (in the final) - with any game, if you can dominate midfield you will usually win," he said.

This afternoon's decider pits McGarrity and his unsung team-mate Pat Harte against the green and gold duo of Darragh Ó Sé and Tommy Griffin.

Whelan, who has gone toe-to-toe with all four, added: "When the game starts, I would expect Darragh Ó Sé to pick up Ronan McGarrity, so that will be an interesting contest.

"McGarrity and Harte are two young lads, who have obviously formed a good, solid midfield partnership. Darragh is a big player for Kerry in the middle of the park and they will be expecting another big game from him.

"Moving (Kieran) Donaghy to full-forward has help to make him the find of the season and Kerry are strong all over. They have plenty of experience behind them which is a key thing on All-Ireland final day," he added.

"If Mayo do hit the same level of performance that they had against us the last day, they will certainly be there or thereabouts.

"I think it will be a very tight game going down to the last couple of minutes and I'm expecting Kerry to pip it."

Kerry had eight points to spare when they beat Mayo to claim their 33rd and last All-Ireland SFC title back in 2004.