Kildare manager Padraig Nolan tasted defeat against Laois, Pat Roe's Wexford lost against Dublin. Gavin Cummiskey gets their views on the finalists
Perhaps the two managers best placed to comment on Sunday's Leinster football final are those who have already felt the full force of Laois and Dublin this summer - Padraig Nolan of Kildare and Wexford's Pat Roe.
Neither Wexford nor Kildare were able to lift themselves from their respective semi-final defeats when the qualifiers came calling. Roe has since stepped down at Wexford while Nolan admitted his future in Kildare is for others to decide. However, both men are ideally placed to cast judgment for Sunday. They predictably foresee a close encounter but Dublin get the nod from Nolan with Roe keeping his powder, somewhat, dry.
Considering Laois obliterated Kildare 0-21 to 0-9 on June 19th, it is surprising Nolan feels Dublin are better equipped but recent history shows heavy semi-final victories tend to work against teams (Meath's dismantling of Kerry in the 2001 All-Ireland semi-final that eventually led to their unravelling against Galway).
"My feeling, considering the way things have panned out, is towards Dublin," said Nolan. "The Laois semi-final performance has ensured Dublin are underdogs, which is a rare occurrence at Croke Park. Laois were top class in the semi-finals but how difficult did we make it for them? I suppose we will find out on Sunday but the longer the game went on the easier it got for Laois. Dublin have become a more battle-hardened team as well and that should see them grind it out."
Roe, when pushed, edges towards Dublin on the premise their defence will not allow the talented Laois forwards to express themselves so freely.
"Ross Munnelly is going to get on the ball," he said. "So it is what he does when in possession and how his marker handles him that will matter. If Laois can replicate the form they showed against Kildare no one will beat them but I can't see that happening. After three years together, there is a confidence and backbone to this Dublin team and the Croke Park factor will be a benefit to them."
Ah yes, Dublin in a packed Croke Park at high summer makes them an irresistible force.
What makes it so hard to call is Laois are also relishing their third consecutive Leinster final and, considering Westmeath made the breakthrough at their expense last year, the hunger is back. With it comes the experience. Mick O'Dwyer has them playing great football. So where is the chink in their armour?
"Pound for pound Laois are the better footballers and the occasion will be no problem for them either," continues Roe. "They have been to three Leinster finals in three years so not even the Hill will put them off their game. If the Laois forwards can find the room they will be unstoppable, but this is what I can't see happening. The Dublin backs will tighten things up. The sheer physicality of their play won't let Laois forwards breathe."
Nolan is in agreement here.
"Overall, Dublin have stronger players and their team work should shade it. They have been grinding it out all year. It is a very hesitant vote but I have tipped Dublin from the start so I'll stay with them for Sunday."
Roe believes Laois will be stronger at midfield: "Laois have the edge in midfield. I'm not overly convinced by the Dublin midfield yet. People have said Ciarán Whelan is back to his best but against us he fell back into the old habits and drifted out of the game for long periods. I also think Shane Ryan will struggle against Noel Garvan and Padraig Clancy. Garvan has been excellent all year but Clancy needs to maintain the form he showed against Kildare."
But overall Dublin seem to be a bigger and stronger side, according to Nolan.
"The physicality aspect will be a problem for Laois. They may be a top-class football team but are unable to compete with the physically powerful Tyrone, Armagh and Kerry teams. Dublin are physically strong too.
"An open game will suit Laois as it is their natural style. Dublin must not let Tom Kelly go forward as he will dominate midfield."
