Previous encounters: 2004 All-Ireland final: Kerry 1-20, Mayo 2-9

"Totally devastating. The Mayo boys will be sitting in the dressingroom like a big truck has run all over them, surveying the wreckage . . . the game's over, Kerry have destroyed them in every way." RTÉ analyst Joe Brolly at half-time.

Calling this a cheap All-Ireland might be considered a slight on a Kerry team that filleted Limerick (eventually), Dublin, Derry and Mayo. In olden times that would be a hellish path to the Hogan Stand.

It wasn't this time. Dublin were in deep transitional mode, while the others were mediocre teams. The other domineering sides of the generation had been caught cold. Tyrone were visited upon by tragedy, while Armagh were ousted by long-suffering neighbours Fermanagh in the quarter-finals.

Come the last Sunday in September Kerry were streets ahead of the Connacht champions. A lively start from Mayo, which yielded 1-1 from a Ciarán McDonald point and Alan Dillon goal, indicated a decent contest would follow. Instead, Kerry dominated in every department. Tom O'Sullivan devoured Conor Mortimer, Eamonn Fitzmaurice overshadowed McDonald and Willie Kirby bossed a midfield devoid of the injured Darragh Ó Sé. Seamus Moynihan was another notable absentee but Jack O'Connor sent him on for the dead final 15 minutes.

The Kerry full-forward line made full use of the incessant high balls dropping in. Johnny Crowley, a surprise selection ahead of Mike Frank Russell, and Dara Ó Cinneide were excellent but it was The Gooch who ruled the sky. Colm Cooper kicked 1-5 from play in a performance that rubber-stamped his reputation as a football genius. The goal was all his own. A catch, a turn, a jink that ended with a sublime finish.

In the meantime, the Mayo panel has strengthened immeasurably. Ger Brady has broken through. Conor Mortimer has grown. But most importantly, David Heaney, McDonald and James Nallen go into Sunday's game with black hearts after losing two All-Ireland finals to Kerry.

Head to Head

John O'Keeffe's assessment: Kieran Donaghy v David Heaney or Ronan McGarrity

"We will see something very similar to the Kerry tactics employed in the 2004 final when Johnny Crowley, Dara Ó Cinneide and Colm Cooper took full advantage of high balls into the full-forward line. The diagonal high ball is the best for Kieran Donaghy to make use of and it is the most difficult to defend.

"No one can live with Donaghy in the air - except maybe Ronan McGarrity but I don't expect this duel to unfold, unless the game is slipping away from Kerry and Jack O'Connor moves Donaghy out to midfield.

"One concern about David Heaney is his all-or-nothing attitude when contesting ball can sometimes leave him exposed. When Donaghy hits the ground after taking ball overhead Heaney needs to be goalside to contain him. If Heaney is doing his job the only option for Donaghy should be a lay off to Cooper or Mike Frank.

Such is Donaghy's proficiency in the air, this battle will be decided out the field. McGarrity must break even with Darragh Ó Sé.

"I can also see Mayo employing someone, probably Billy Joe Padden, in front of the full-back line to clog up the centre and scoop the Donaghy break. Otherwise Cooper and Russell will cause untold damage."

Weekend fixtures

SATURDAY

All-Ireland Under-21 HC final replay: Kilkenny v Tipperary, Thurles, 3.30, B Gavin (Offaly) (Extra time if necessary).

Masters All-Ireland football final: Dublin v Mayo, St Loman's, Mullingar, 4.0, TP Petit (Longford) (Extra time if necessary). Shield final: Cavan v Leitrim, St Loman's, Mullingar, 2.30, M Mannion (Westmeath) (Extra time if necessary).

Kilmacud Crokes All-Ireland football sevens tournament

SUNDAY

All-Ireland SFC final: Kerry v Mayo, Croke Park, 3.30, B Crowe (Cavan).

All-Ireland MFC final: Kerry v Roscommon, Croke Park, 1.30, S Doyle (Wexford).