Galway can adapt to any challenge

All-Ireland MFC/Final Derry v Galway:It's the flaws which were unearthed in the All-Ireland semi-finals that say the most about these sides. Like a great long-distance runner, Galway altered tactics mid-race to stem a tidal wave of beautiful scores from the Kerry teenagers, while Derry overpowered a favoured Laois before coughing up a seven-point lead in the last six minutes. They had learned their lesson by the replay.

Galway proved they are a team of ruthless intent. Kerry's marksmen were picking them off at will, but when they slowed to draw breath, Galway enveloped them with two quick goals from Tommy Walsh and Conor Doherty just before half-time.

Manager Alan Mulholland made the necessary alterations. Doherty began rampaging from wing back. Team captain Paul Conroy laid claim to midfield, even waltzing forward for two valuable points. Damien Reddington began to score and, most notably, create space for others.

They were easing up by the finish - a rare sight against Kerry footballers.

Derry will ask more pertinent questions and for a more sustained period. They had to scrap to get here after the controversial Ulster final defeat - when television replays showed a Tyrone "score" actually went wide in a one-point defeat - ensuring the first of three visits to Croke Park against Munster champions Cork.

A marvellous encounter followed against Laois.

"They are a very good side," said Mulholland, who played on the last Galway minor team to capture the Tom Markham Cup in 1986. "Everyone was talking up this Laois team to be the best to have come out for a long time, which is saying something with all the teams Laois have produced in the last while.

"In my opinion Laois were fortunate to draw in the first game. Derry were definitely the better side. They play a game of football that is team-oriented and are a very balanced side.

"They play a style that is coming out of the north which is high-intensity, hard-tackling and work-rate all round the pitch. It won't be easy."

He's right. Little separated Derry and Laois in footballing ability, but there was a gulf of at least two years physical development evident in the contact zone. While the likes of Derry's Declan Mullan and Aiden Heron provide quality in attack, the clash of James Kielt with his fellow captain Conroy will go a long way to deciding which team holds sway.

On the evidence of the semi-finals, Galway have the necessary firepower and tactical know-how to adjust if a game is moving away from them.

There is, however, a modern Ulster blueprint already in place for winning at minor level.

Just see the cynical tactics adopted by Tyrone in neutering the running threat of Darren O'Sullivan in 2004. They had enough quality to win, but just wanted to be sure.

Galway should be able to handle this or whatever challenge comes their way.

DERRY: A Warnock; M McKinney, C McWilliams, D Bell; C McKaigue, JF Bradley, B Henry; J Kielt (capt), C O'Boyle; S Cleary, A Heron, D Mullan; N Forrester, G McGeehan, L Moore.

GALWAY: O Higgins; E Glynn, C Forde, K Kelly; C Doherty, D O'Reilly, T Fahy; P Conroy, A Griffin; JJ Greaney, T Walsh, J O'Brien; J Ryan, M Martyn, D Reddington.