KILKENNY v DUBLIN:THIS DAY had to come for Dublin. Tomorrow's GAA Leinster hurling final mightn't have sent a current of electricity crackling through the streets of the capital, but after the years of under-age development work – and it is four seasons since the minor provincial success – the seniors had to get to a final and face Kilkenny on the big day.
But the sooner teams get the one to be written down to experience out of the way, the better. There is also the consideration that the younger Dublin players have competed with Kilkenny without inhibition at under-age levels.
As such distant outsiders, the team shouldn’t be too anxious about the outcome.
That’s one side of the balance sheet. On the other is the fact that Kilkenny are not in the “surprises” business. One last-minute defeat, against Wexford five years ago, is the only time the county has been beaten in the province since Wexford were All-Ireland champions back in 1996.
When Kilkenny and Dublin met in the league last April, Anthony Daly reprised the seventh-defender tactic from his Clare days (that in 2004 saw Alan Markham play a major role in frustrating and nearly beating Kilkenny).
Johnny McCaffrey helped shore up the defence and a two-man full forward line gave Kevin Flynn and David O’Callaghan enough space to cause Kilkenny many problems.
The trouble is the champions are now on championship settings and have enough athleticism and long-range shooting power to over-ride attempts to clog up the attacking approaches.
They have made only one change from the team that started against Galway, with Derek Lyng starting at midfield in place of Michael Fennelly.
Kilkenny will also see the merit in giving the up-and-coming hurling project Dublin has become a dose of reality.
KILKENNY:PJ Ryan; M Kavanagh, JJ Delaney, J Tyrrell; T Walsh, J Tennyson, J Dalton; D Lyng, M Rice; H Shefflin, M Comerford, E Larkin; E Brennan, R Power, A Fogarty.
DUBLIN:G Maguire; N Corcoran, T Brady, O Gough; S Hiney,J Boland, M Carton;J McCaffrey, S Durkin; D Treacy, L Ryan, K Flynn; D O'Callaghan, L Rushe, A McCrabbe.
Referee:J Ryan (Tipp).
In the last episode:The last provincial final between the two ended in a two-point win for Kilkenny 18 years ago. The teams met in the qualifiers five years ago, which ended in a 26-point beating for Dublin and the most recent championship meeting saw Kilkenny win 3-16 to 0-10.
You bet:The handicap is likely to be the most popular bet and Dublin are available +13 at 10/11.
On your marks:To beat Kilkenny, teams have to start, continue and finish well. At any stage the champions can move irretrievably ahead.
Gaining ground:Croke Park has again come under scrutiny as a venue for this fixture. Fewer than 19,000 attended last year. The Leinster Council aren't expecting more than 25,000.
Just the ticket:Stand €35 with concessionary refund for OAPs and students. Hill 16 is €20.
Crystal gazing:A learning experience, and not for Kilkenny.
