Kildare’s attack looks all White but defending may again be their Achilles heel in final

KILDARE supporters have had little to cling to ahead of playing Dublin in recent years and so their League win over them in February is probably being overstated a little.

The bad news for the Lilywhites is that that afternoon in Newbridge will be worlds apart from what they face today in Croke Park.

Dublin appear to have recovered, to some degree at least, from their disastrous League showing but this is their most significant test yet in the Championship.

That’s because Kildare have a forward line that will give any team sleepless nights.

Ben Mccormack, in particular, is one of the form players in the country just now.

He has been pivotal in linking defence and attack as well as getting in on the scoring act himself from centre half-forward. Expect John Small to get stuck into him with Brian Howard possibly sweeping in front of Alex Beirne.

Dublin’s defence struggled during the League and they will be tested today. With Davy Byrne likely to be still out, Michael Fitzsimons and Eoin Murchan’s battles with Daniel Flynn and Jimmy Hyland will be intriguing.

Kildare’s Achilles heel is their defence, however.

Their structure at the back and one-on-one defending would need to improve drastically for them to be in with a shout today.

But if they can tighten up at the back and get enough ball to their forwards then they will really give Dublin something to think about.

They need a platform from midfield too, though, and that’s where Kevin Feely comes in. He just has to get the better of Brian Fenton.

Feely is a wonderful talent but we haven’t seen the best of him often enough in the big games. Now’s your chance, Kevin.

Dublin have scored heavily in the last two games but against poor opposition. There has been talk of them having their mojo back but I think the jury remains out until the All-ireland series, though the return of Con O’callaghan and James Mccarthy (below) has certainly given them more impetus.

I expect them to have the bit between their teeth this week and I’m sure Kildare’s exuberant celebrations after the League meeting will have been referenced in the Dublin camp this week. Dublin are not the force they were but this game can move them within striking distance of another Allireland, something they will feel is still well within their

capabilities with all the class and experience that they have.

For Kildare, it could be a coming of age day. Can they take this game to the last 10-15 minutes and make Dublin dig deep? Something tells me they won’t quite be able to do that and Dublin will prevail comfortably.

Looking at today’s other provincial final, it would be the mother and father of all upsets if Limerick were to beat Kerry.

They’ve done brilliantly this year with promotion to Division Two and a Munster final appearance – and you would expect they will mirror Cork’s approach in trying to frustrate Kerry.

But Kerry still pulled away after 50 minutes that day and I expect it will happen earlier this time. If they’re in the mood, it could be a long afternoon.