Kildare can pass test

KILDARE v OFFALY, Navan, 3.15.

NEITHER of these teams can really prove much tomorrow. Were Offaly to win, it would be further evidence of their revival under Tommy Lyons but with the lop sided draw in Leinster, the summer will prove the real test of that. Similarly Kildare who reached the NFL final six years ago and found little to build on after that. Even if they win the League, championship doubts will remain.

Although their regulation campaign in Division Four shouldn't equip them for Kildare's challenge, Offaly have impressed with their strength and fitness and their 100 per cent run through both the League and the O'Byrne Cup - including a win over an under strength Kildare - indicates their momentum.

On the basis that the League is a more reliable target for Kildare, expect Mick O'Dwyer to have them hopping and their greater familiarity with top class football should see them past a tough enough challenge.

TYRONE V CAVAN, Clones, 3.00

THE rule that governs relegation in the League is well defined. Teams can treat it with indifference if they have a settled team and know what they're about during the championship. Tyrone undoubtedly know the demands they face this summer but don't look entirely constructed yet.

The demoralisation that follows relegation isn't helpful for a team in the process of, being put together but Tyrone could probably cope better than Cavan for whom it would signal a decisive end to the momentum created by Martin McHugh's two years in charge.

The tendency towards Tyrone is based on the assumption that having learned a bit from the defeat by Meath a fortnight ago, the team will be sharper.