LEINSTER SFC QUARTER-FINALS/Louth v Kildare:LOUTH HAVE quite a bit going for them here. On a cold Sunday in January they contested more than adequately with Kildare in the O'Byrne Cup semi-final before sinking them with a late goal.
Their typically promising league form fizzled out but they enjoyed a deserved, albeit laboured win, over Longford in the first round. Manager Peter Fitzpatrick has named an unchanged line-up after star forward Shane Lennon was passed fit after a hand injury and starts in the full-forward line alongside the equally capable Colm Judge and JP Rooney – with long-serving Aaron Hoey once again on the bench.
Kildare’s All-Star midfielder Dermot Earley has failed to make the starting 15 due to the lingering effects of a knee injury, which means David Whyte will debut at midfield alongside Daryl Flynn, with goalkeeper Shane McCormack also debuting.
The least of Kildare’s ambitions is getting back to a Leinster final – particularly as they’re on the opposite side to Dublin. Mikey Conway is another notable absentee due to injury. Kieran McGeeney always had his focus on the championship and this game will prove just how wise that was because Louth won’t be trembling in their boots.
KILDARE: S McCormack; H McGrillan, G White, E Bolton; K Cribbin, B Flanagan, M O’Flaherty; D Flynn, D Whyte; R Sweeney, J Doyle, J Kavanagh; A Smith, P O’Neill, E Callaghan.
LOUTH: N Gallagher; E McAuley, D Finnegan, R Greene; R Finnegan, M Fanning, J O’Brien; P Keenan, B White; A McDonnell, M Brennan, A Reid; C Judge, S Lennon, JP Rooney.
Referee: M Duffy (Sligo).
In the Last episode:Their first championship meeting since 2002, when Kildare won by a point.
You bet:Kildare are well fancied at 3/10, with the draw at 9/1 and Louth notable 10/3 outsiders .
On your marks: In the O'Byrne Cup semi-final back in January, Kildare had a hard time shaking off Louth and lost out to a late goal.
Gaining ground:Neither team will be unfamiliar with Páirc Tailteann, although Kildare may fancy the wide pitch and hard ground a little more than Louth.
Just the ticket: Seated area €20, terrace €15; Student rebate of €5 and €10 for OAPs on producing ID. Wheelchair spectators free (assistants €20).
Crystal gazing:It's difficult to see Kildare losing this one although it may prove a far trickier task than expected.
