All-Ireland Colleges SFC Final/Abbey CBS Newry v St Patrick's, Navan: St Patrick's of Navan travel to Carlow in search of a fourth All-Ireland Colleges title in six years: a hugely impressive statistic when one considers the ever-rising standards of secondary-school football.
Shane O'Rourke has already made a name for himself despite following in some large footsteps; his father, the Meath legend Colm, is the St Patrick's manager.
The performances last month of O'Rourke junior for the Irish under-19s during the Test series in Australia show promise. And he will be expected to not only dominate proceedings at midfield but also kick the frees this afternoon.
There are other connections to the senior Meath ranks on this St Patrick's team. Brian Sheridan, for example, is brother to Meath forward Joe. Though only 16, the latest Sheridan sibling looks the part.
Two other key components from the Meath football nursery are centre back Shane Carr and forward Shane Keating. Both proved inspirational in the 1-15 to 0-11 semi-final victory over Galway champions St Mary's.
And yet, St Patrick's will not have it all their own way against a team that draws on talent from both Armagh and Down.
Abbey CBS are making their first appearance in an All-Ireland final. The Newry school bring a range of talent that exudes all that is positive about Ulster football. In short, any side that can win a MacRory Cup need fear no opposition.
They squeezed past De La Salle Macroom (1-10 to 1-8) to make today's decider. Players like the Armagh centre back Kevin Dyas and forwards Niall Devlin, Seán Murdoch and Conall McGovern were prominent contributors to the cause.
Still, the combination of pedigree and recent form should see St Patrick's edge this contest.
Dr Cullen Park, Carlow, 3.30
On TV: TG4
