Dublin's pace, power and panache should win the day

GAELIC GAMES:NO ONE was entirely convinced by Andy Kettle's suggestion this week that the early 2pm start in Croke Park tomorrow could deter Dublin's walk-up crowd. The Dublin chairman was presumably aware the real issue for many Dublin football supporters is not the throw-in time, but the need to calm their nerves beforehand in local hostelries such as James Gill's and The Sunset House.

Or perhaps Kettle feared that anyone arriving late was simply in danger of missing the action, given Dublin’s very real ability to end this as a true contest before it really gets going.

That would, of course, be presumptuous, yet there’s no denying the challenge that awaits Wexford tomorrow: the 2008 Leinster final between the same counties was desperately one-sided, finishing 3-23 to 0-9 in favour of Dublin, and Dublin’s heavy favourites tag is just one indication it mightn’t be a whole lot different this time.

Perhaps the more relevant comparison is their Leinster quarter-final last year, when Wexford went seven points up in the first half, only to lose by seven, after extra-time. Afterwards Dublin manager Pat Gilroy admitted “that first half was as bad as we can play” and Dublin did improve considerably through the qualifiers before falling to Cork in the All-Ireland semi-final.

And Dublin are probably an improved team again this summer: losing the league final to Cork was more a case of self-destruction, and the narrow escape against Kildare two weeks ago was another reminder of the need to sustain their high-tempo game for the full 70 minutes.

Dublin won’t be taking Wexford for granted, but won’t want it to come down to a close finish either.

Wexford manager Jason Ryan has inevitably stuck with the team that has racked up seven goals and 52 points in their championship games to date against Offaly, Westmeath and Carlow but it would be foolish to suggest those teams presented the same sort of challenge as Dublin.

Bernard Brogan, Eoghan O’Gara and Diarmuid Connolly will all have green flags on their minds from early on, and with Alan Brogan enjoying something of a renaissance, Wexford’s full-back line of Joey Wadding, Graeme Molloy, and Brian Malone can’t afford to blink.

Colm Morris will inevitably play a more defensive role, leaving Ciarán Lyng and Redmond Barry to front the attack, while Shane Roche and Ben Brosnan play support. All these players enjoyed ample freedom in their three games to date, but can expect far closer attention from Michael Fitzsimons, Rory O’Carroll and Paul Conlon – who actually thrive on the short, direct game Wexford play.

Wexford’s absence of a tall target man who might thrive under the high ball deprives them of an option they could well prosper with.

Eamon Fennell’s first start this year for the injured Michael Dara Macauley might slow Dublin’s electrifying pace, but does add height around the middle of the field that might complete Dublin’s winning package.

DUBLIN: S Cluxton; M Fitzsimons, R O’Carroll, P Conlon; J McCarthy, G Brennan, K Nolan; D Bastick, E Fennell; P Flynn, A Brogan, B Cullen (capt); E O’Gara, D Connolly, B Brogan.

WEXFORD: A Masterson; J Wadding, G Molloy, B Malone; A Flynn, D Murphy (capt), A Doyle; R Quinlivan, D Waters; S Roche, C Lyng, B Brosnan; C Morris, E Bradley, R Barry.

Referee: J McQuillan (Cavan)

In the last episode: Three years ago Wexford came to Croke Park for their first Leinster final in 52 years, and Dublin promptly reminded them of why it had been so long, winning 3-23 to 0-9.

You bet: Dublin are 1/6 for the win, with Wexford at 5/1. Wexford's forwards have enjoyed a free-scoring summer, but could struggle to breakdown Dublin's defence and are 4/6 to score less than 14.5.

Just the ticket: Cusack Stand: €35; Davin Stand: €35; Hill 16 €20. Tickets will be on sale today from the Ticket Office on Dorset Street (10am-4pm), and tomorrow from 10.15am from Gills on Dorset Street and at Ballybough.