Some evidence of the rise of Connacht football can be adduced from the club finals in recent years. Corofin heralded the rise of Galway 12 months ago and today Ballina Stephenites become the third Mayo club in six years to reach the final. Unfortunately for Mayo, their lack of success at the final hurdle has also become an omen for the county at All-Ireland level.

That trend may not be significantly altered this afternoon. Ballina may have laid solid claim to the title by defeating Corofin and playing intelligently and energetically to reach the final, but they are up against a club side with credible designs on posterity.

Crossmaglen Rangers, with their average age of 24 and one All-Ireland already in the bag, have the potential to join Cork clubs Nemo Rangers and St Finbarr's as one of the championship's most successful sides.

It's not hard to identify the team's strengths. Physique, athleticism and footballing skill constitute a formidable combination. If there is a weakness, it lies in the slight reluctance to finish off opponents when the opportunity is there.

Ballina bring their own credentials to the occasion. Most of the spotlight has fallen on the county midfield of Liam McHale, particularly, and David Brady, who have been outstanding. But the Connacht champions rightly recognise that they are unlikely to establish a decisive grip in the area against John McEntee and Anthony Cunningham who possess a similar blend of size and technique.

At the back, they are well organised with Brian Heffernan at the heart of a defence which is mobile and focused. Against Roscommon Gaels, the forwards were at their most impressive running up an early lead which effectively killed the match. The team also displayed gritty resolve in the All-Ireland semi-final with Doonbeg.

Yet on available evidence it is impossible to see them winning. Crossmaglen have too many options. The forecast is for a good day and Croke Park will suit the Ulster champions, as it did two years ago. On occasions they rely excessively on a short game, despite a stated desire to mix styles. But there is nothing to stop them letting off quick ball into the forwards, two of whom - Colm O'Neill and Gavin Cumiskey - are giants.

Both McEntee and his brother Tony are excellent on the ball and frequently spread it wide or change the direction of the attack to bring in the (relatively) smaller in McConville's place, this is relative) flanking players. Cathal Short is elusive, and although he and Jim McConville are Lilliputians in the attack, Short has a great spring under dropping ball.

Add in a defence that capably contained furious, late onslaughts from both Eire Og and Bellaghy, and an unbreakable psyche, and you get an idea of what Ballina are up against.

Paths To Final

Ulster - first round: Crossmaglen Rangers 1-8, Mullahoran (Cavan) 0-11; replay: Crossmaglen Rangers 2-8, Mullahoran 0-8; semi-final: Crossmaglen Rangers 3-10, St John's (Antrim) 0-11; final: Crossmaglen Rangers 1-11, Bellaghy (Derry) 1-10.

Connacht - first round: Ballina Stephenites 0-9, Corofin (Galway) 1-6; replay: Ballina Stephenites 0-11, Corofin 0-9; semi-final: Ballina Stephenites 0-11, Eastern Harps (Sligo) 0-10; final: Ballina Stephenites 1-10, Roscommon Gaels 0-6.

All-Ireland - quarter-final - Crossmaglen Rangers 1-18, Tir Chonaill Gaels (London) 0-7.

All-Ireland - semi-finals - Crossmaglen Rangers 1-10, Eire Og (Carlow) 1-5; Ballina Stephenites 0-8, Doonbeg (Clare) 0-4.