Dublin v Louth: DUBLIN'S FIRST outing in pursuit of a fourth successive Leinster title, a feat not achieved in 13 years, brings them up against Eamonn McEneaney's team and they will be expected to win.
There will be interest in the performance of Stephen O'Shaughnessy, whose career faltered through injury after an excellent debut year at corner back in 2005 and he will be tested by Colm Judge assuming Louth organise a reasonable supply.
Dublin manager Paul Caffrey will be hoping that the forwards can gel without the need to call on the bench. Debutant Paddy Andrews plays up front after making most of his early appearances as a defender but, based on his club form, much is expected.
Dublin's sharp edge should come from Tomás Quinn, back in favour ahead of Mark Vaughan after a great club championship with St Vincent's. Louth have been hit by the injury to Colin Goss, their regular full back, who didn't concede a score to any of his opponents last year. Michael Fanning, who moves from the corner to replace him, has experience of the position but Goss's loss is a blow.
DUBLIN: S Cluxton; D Henry, R McConnell, S O'Shaughnessy; P Casey, B Cullen, B Cahill; E Fennell, S Ryan; C Moran, J Sherlock, P Andrews; A Brogan, C Keaney, T Quinn.
LOUTH: S Reynolds; D Finnegan, M Fanning, J Neary; J O'Brien, C McGuinness, R Finnegan; P Keenan, R Carroll; A Reid, M Stanfield, D Crilly; C Judge, A Hoey, S Lennon.
Referee: M Duffy (Sligo).
In the last episode: The teams met four years ago in Croke Park and Dublin were comfortable winners. However, back in the early 1990s Louth twice ran Dublin close, in 1992 and particularly 1994.
You bet: Dublin are 1/6 and Louth 5/1. The draw is 11/1. Handicap is Dublin (-6) at 10/11 and Louth (+6) at 21/20.
On your marks: Paddy Keenan has had an excellent couple of years at centrefield for Louth, picking up an All Star nomination for his efforts. In the absence of the suspended Ciarán Whelan he will be expected to make a significant impact for Louth and it adds up to a big debut task for Eamonn Fennell who was one of Dublin's most conspicuous acquisitions earlier in the year.
Gaining ground: Croke Park gets ready for the first big (football) crowd of the season but it's a daunting challenge for Louth, who have to go back to 1973 in Navan for their last win over Dublin and even farther to the Leinster final of 1957, the year of their last All-Ireland win, for the last victory over the locals on Jones's Road.
Just the ticket: Tickets are available today and tomorrow from Croke Park. Leinster Council is expecting between 45,000 and 50,000. Stands are priced as €25 for adults and the Hill will cost €15. Juveniles' (under-16) admission is €5. Concessions for students and senior citizens are available on the Cusack side of the ground. Spectators are advised to purchase tickets in advance from the outlets on the approach to the ground.
Crystal gazing: This should be straightforward for Dublin even with the suspensions given that Louth are also hit, in their case by injuries to defenders to Colin Goss and Peter McGinnity.
