Dublin v Galway:Galway were lucky to survive Cork's challenge a fortnight ago and tomorrow in the Erin under-21 final face an unusual challenge in the latest demonstration of hurling's rising graph in the capital, Dublin's first appearance at this stage in 35 years.
Dublin are awaiting word from this morning's DRA hearing, which will determine whether Peadar Carton can complete his escape from suspension and line out. They will regret the championship timing that sees them have to step into the arena a couple of months after they were operating at their peak.
To make matters more difficult they had a straightforward semi-final win against Derry while Galway were sharpening their teeth on Cork.
Onlookers said that you could almost see Galway improving their team throughout the Cork match, a switch here and tuning there until several amendments later they had their best team. A debatable free was all that forced the match into extra time and allowed Galway to pull away.
But by the time they were finished Vincent Mullins and his selectors had put together a formidable-looking outfit. Joe Canning was outstanding. Some of his marksmanship was awry but his ability to use the ball was exceptionally good. His abilities are complemented by the sheer pace in the forwards where Kerril Wade and Conor Kavanagh pose a big threat in the corners.
Dublin have been vulnerable in the full-back line and tomorrow face a massive test. It will be vital for the Leinster champions' half backs to provide protection although there is a lack of pace there and should Canning switch out to the 40 he will face Tomás Brady, on whom he played well in this year's Fitzgibbon Cup.
Captain John McCaffrey is likely to play in a covering role allowing Alan McCrabbe to drive forward.
Dublin need to make the most out of their chances because for many the star performers in Galway's semi-final were at the back: goalkeeper James Skehill making three exceptional saves, Ger Mahon performing brilliantly and John Lee holding the middle.
All told, the task of winning a first All-Ireland at this grade looks too demanding for Dublin.
GALWAY: J Skehill; A Leech, G Mahon, C O'Donovan; M Ryan, J Lee, A Keary: K Kilkenny, D Kennedy; S Glynn, K Hynes, F Coone: C Kavanagh, J Canning, K Wade.
DUBLIN: P Curtin; R Droomgoole, P Callaghan, D Webster; K Dunne, T Brady, J Boland; A McCrabbe, J McCaffrey; E Moran, D Connolly, S Durkin; P Carton, D O'Dwyer, R O'Carroll.
Referee: Johnny Ryan (Tipperary).
Tommy Freeman has been named Ulster Footballer of the Year. Freeman is one of seven Monaghan players included in the Ulster Allstars selection. Only three counties are represented in the team, with Derry (five) and Tyrone (three) also honoured.
Ulster Allstars 2007: J Devine (Tyrone); D Mone (Monaghan), K McCloy (Derry), M McGoldrick (Derry); C Gormley (Tyrone), G McQuaid (Monaghan), D Freeman (Monaghan); E Lennon (Monaghan), F Doherty (Derry); E Muldoon (Derry), R Woods (Monaghan), S Cavanagh (Tyrone); P Bradley (Derry), V Corey (Monaghan), T Freeman (Monaghan).
