Kildare can join Dubs in the Leinster final

WE have had a gradual increase in the Championship shockwaves with Cork and Mayo being beaten in successive weeks. But it will be an earthquake if Meath were to beat Dublin. The past two weeks will have put Jim Gavin and his management team on their guard.

Laois did expose some vulnerabilities in the Dublin defence. They had an aerial weakness and their full-back line was unable to deal with Donie Kingston. And there

was a vulnerability when Laois ran at them, too. There’s no doubt about it — from midfield upwards, Dublin are the best team in the country but there is still doubts over their defensive system.

In forwards such as Graham Reilly (left), Cillian O’Sullivan and Eamonn Wallace, Meath have players with a great turn of pace so they can pose questions by running at Dublin. Meath are not without hope going to Croke Park, but on all known form, Dublin have to win this game fairly easily.

The other match is much harder to read. Kildare struggled past Wexford while Westmeath beat Offaly when they weren’t fancied, and also have Ray Connellan home from Australia. This is a game that could go either way.

If League form is a guide, Kildare should win. Against Wexford, they looked like they were playing with a great weight on their shoulders.

Kildare need a big performance and I think there is one in this group of players. And they might seize the prize of a Leinster final.