Keogh talks down chance

MEN'S HOCKEY: Having watched Ulster and Munster share the last four All-Ireland club titles, Leinster will finally put a stop to the "rot" at Belfield on Sunday where the province's top two teams, Glenanne and Pembroke Wanderers, will meet in the climax to the season.

Pembroke last won the title in 2001, Glenanne triumphing the season before that, but since then Cork Harlequins, Church of Ireland, Instonians andLisnagarvey have taken the honours.

Leinster's representatives, though, prevailed at the All-Ireland play-offs, Glenanne pipping Church of Ireland on goal difference in their pool, while victory over Banbridge on the final day put Pembroke through to the final.

While Glenanne might have held off Pembroke's challenge in the Leinster League this season the runners-up had the better of the head-to-heads between the teams, which, Glenanne coach Noel Keogh insists, makes Craig Fulton's side the favourites going in to Sunday's game.

"They've definitely had the upper hand when we've met this season," he said, "and they've all been terrific games. We were 3-0 up against them at Serpentine Avenue back in October and ended up drawing 3-3. They beat us 3-2 in Tallaght and beat us 4-2 in the Leinster Cup, having led 4-0, so while we might have taken the league they got the better of us when we met.

"So, yes, they must be considered favourites for this game, but I'd give ourselves a good chance.

"It would be a brilliant way to cap the season and, of course, qualify for Europe next season. If our previous games are anything to go by Sunday should be terrific; hopefully we'll have a good crowd and maybe even some sunshine."

Keogh confirmed that Devin Kehoe remains a doubt for the game, after injuring his leg in the play-offs, while Pembroke will be without goalkeeper Nigel Henderson, the former Irish captain suffering concussion after an accident in training. Stephen Doran will deputise.

ALL-IRELAND CLUB FINAL (at Belfield) - Sunday: Glenanne v Pembroke Wanderers, 12.30.