DUBLIN v LOUTH

Tomorrow (1.45pm): Croke Park, N Mooney (Cavan) RTE

LOUTH were on the end of it in last year’s Leinster final, losing 5-21 to 0-15 to Dublin, and they’re massive underdogs once again. Whether it was due to training load, Dublin’s pattern last year was one of an off colour display followed by dishing out a hammering. They were well off it against Kildare in last year’s Leinster semi-final without ever looking like they might lose, but on it again for the final against Louth. Making backto-back provincial deciders for the first time since 1958 is a significant achievement for Ger Brennan’s side.

Realism

There should be massive excitement in the county, but stark realism kills much of that off in the most one-sided competition imaginable. When you keep hearing talk about how competitive a championship it would be if Dublin weren’t in it, you know the show is long since over. The bit you don’t hear is that most of the counties have been effectively killed off by a lack of hope and Dublin’s utter dominance. Only two Leinster teams will operate in Division 2 next year – Louth and Meath, with Dublin the only Division 1 team. Eight of Leinster’s other nine counties will be in Divisions 3 and 4. Kilkenny are the other one. They don’t play in the League. Maybe they’re the wise ones. It’s a stark lack of leadership in the GAA that it’s got to this point. In any other era, Louth would be credible challengers to Dublin. Dublin are getting ready for the All-Ireland series, which begins in a fortnight. It’s about how many minutes Louth can keep it competitive for. The fans voted with their feet last time out as less than 22,000 turned up for the semi-final double header, featuring Offaly/ Dublin and Louth/Kildare. Dublin’s winning margins have been 16 and 20 points against Meath and Offaly respectively. For the record, they’re going for an 19th Leinster title in 20 years.