Crokes poised to claim Munster crown

Munster Club Football Championship final: During the decade to date it has been possible to detect the odd sign of life in Waterford football. For the second time in three years the county champions are contesting a Munster final, and if the better chance was obviously Stradbally's narrow replay defeat by Clare's Kilmurry Ibrickane two years ago, tomorrow presents another opportunity.

Like their predecessors, whom they eventually toppled after three years of frustratingly fruitless mano a mano struggles in county finals, The Nire have some quality footballing talent as well as some players better known for their hurling prowess.

The club is based in the busy parish of Ballymacarbry, which for all the novelty of tomorrow's big day sent out the greatest club side in the women's game - winners of nine All-Irelands in 10 years up to 1998.

The other vital indicator for the men's big-ball game in the county was the provincial under-21 win of three years ago, and centrefielder Shane Walsh was the one who produced the last-minute goal to defeat a Kerry side that included Colm Cooper, with whom Walsh re-engages this weekend.

Dr Crokes know a bit about disappointment in county finals, having lost the last two to South Kerry, who by virtue of divisional status aren't allowed compete in Munster. Clubs handed this default ticket into provincial competition usually have difficulty getting into the mood so the Killarney side's surprisingly comprehensive defeat of Nemo in the semi-final - the great Cork outfit's first at the hands of Kerry opposition - was both impressive in itself and also a marker for the All-Ireland given the thud of tumbling favourites across the other provinces.

Nemo were considerably under-strength but that wasn't seen as a bar to their winning beforehand, and it took a much-improved display from Crokes to make it happen as decisively as it did. Eoin Brosnan's return to form in centrefield was the engine of the semi-final victory, and the clash with Shane Walsh, who contributed three from play in the decisive win over Aherlow in the semi-final, in that sector will be of key interest.

The Nire are a well organised unit who don't panic - as their methodical recovery from first-quarter squandermania last week indicated. They have game-breakers, like former county hurler Brian Wall in defence, who is also capable of building from the back.

New Kerry manager Pat O'Shea would love to sign off with his club by directing a second All-Ireland victory to go with the one he helped deliver on the field 15 years ago. His team combine a short game with the need to use early ball into an accomplished attack. That accomplishment up front and the ability to translate possession into scores should give Crokes the vital edge that will help them advance safely to the All-Ireland stages.

Dr Crokes (Kerry) v The Nire (Waterford)

Páirc Uí Chaoimh, Sunday, 2.0

On TV: TG4