Wexford still a major hurdle for Dublin

Dublin v Wexford:DUBLIN FORWARD Liam Ryan is poised to join Ronan Fallon and Ross O'Carroll on the injury list ahead of tomorrow's massive chance at a place in the Leinster hurling final.

With the superpowers of Galway and Kilkenny drawing swords in the other semi-final this is a genuine opportunity for Dublin to make their first provincial decider since 1991 when Lar Foley was at the helm.

Anthony Daly has that honour these days and really could have done with an injury break this week. Ryan’s calf problem is not expected to provide any solace.

This means Dublin arrive in a slightly regressive state to that which saw them come agonisingly close to beating Wexford last summer.

Wexford folk have been sending the favourites’ tag up to the capital all week, with their best wishes, knowing that mentally this meeting is never a problem for their players. The bookmakers disagree. Dublin at minor or under-21 have become problematic but at senior level Wexford usually find a way, for proof see the 2008 and 2007 results.

They also have the confidence boost of the Offaly victory to carry them into the Marble city, with rookie manager Colm Bonnar making just the one change as Willie Doran comes in for Andrew Shore at wing forward. Dublin must look to David O’Callaghan for inspiration, if that happens anything is possible but the loss of Fallon in contrast to the recent good form of opposing centre back Ritchie Kehoe looks ominous.

WEXFORD:D Fitzhenry; M Travers, P Roche, D O'Connor; M Jacob, R Kehoe, C Kenny; D Lyng, P Atkinson; W Doran, T Waters, R Jacob; D Redmond, S Banville, S Doyle.

Dublin: TBC.

Referee:Cathal McAllister (Cork).

In the last episode:Last year Dublin put themselves in a position to transfer underage dominance to senior level but failed to take their chance.

You bet:Wexford are one-point favourites, according to Paddy Power.

On your marks:Both sides got the early challenges of Offaly and Antrim out of the way without really making a serious statement.

Gaining ground: Bob Dylan played a gig at the 31,000 capacity stadium in 2001 that was widely derided by the majority of those in attendance. Those up the front enjoyed it immensely. Dylan has never commented on the famous training sessions there under Brian Cody.

Just the ticket:€30 for stand, €5 for children. €20 for entry into town end terrace, €3 for children.

Crystal gazing:Hard to call. Anthony Daly did point out recently that the loss of Ronan Fallon and Ross O'Carroll isn't overly detrimental as they have been preparing without both men for months now. Dublin by a whisker.