Dublin v Galway:IF REVISED expectations are a big advantage both counties take to the field in this evening's GAA Leinster hurling semi-final in good shape. Galway's scarcely credible struggle against Westmeath in the quarter-final was forced by aerial inadequacies (a zone in which Dublin are strong).
They survived – but against a side that (although much strengthened since the league and under new management) will play in Division Three next year.
Dublin’s travails were comparatively more dignified but considering the momentum of a the county’s first league title in over 70 years and Offaly’s injury list, the narrow victory was a sobering experience.
Word from inside both camps is positive. Dublin have trained well since the Offaly match and Peadar Carton has shown sufficiently good form since bagging the decisive goal in the quarter-final to play himself onto the team. Tomás Brady brings much needed presence to full back.
Joey Boland is still missing however and he was along with Brady the outstanding performer in the league match between the counties in Parnell Park, a contest dominated by Dublin who contrived to lose to a late Éanna Ryan goal.
Galway have no sense that they shouldn’t win a match like this. The question is do Dublin have a different attitude.
Galway’s form doesn’t merit their being favourites. But they are a stronger force than in the league match last March. Joe Canning, Damien Hayes and Fergal Moore are all back and if Ger Farragher and Iarla Tannian constitute significant losses so do Boland and Dublin captain Stephen Hiney.
Dublin have intensified their capacity in the physical exchanges. That, together with a range of scoring options from centrefield up, can be the difference despite the sceptics’ insistence that the league winners will implode.
DUBLIN: G Maguire; N Corcoran, T Brady, O Gough; J McCaffrey (capt.), P Kelly, S Durkan; L Rushe, A McCrabbe; C McCormack, R O’Dwyer, C Keaney; P Ryan, D O’Callaghan, P Carton.
GALWAY: J Skehill; D Joyce (capt), D Collins, F Moore; S Kavanagh, T Regan, A Cullinane; B Daly, D Burke; E Ryan, C Donnellan, J Gantley; D Hayes, J Canning, A Callanan.
Referee: Michael Wadding (Waterford).
In the last episode: The counties haven't played championship for 70 years when Dublin won on the way to the 1941 All-Ireland final.
You bet: Galway are marginal favourites at 4-5 with Dublin 5-4 and 10-1 the draw.
On your marks: Joe Canning's centrality to Galway's prospects arises time and time again. Tomás Brady's return from injury was vital for Dublin, who lacked structure at the back against Offaly. .
Gaining ground:Galway played a semi-final against Kilkenny here two years ago on their first venture into Leinster but Dublin have to go back to the provincial preliminary final nine years ago, when they defeated Meath, for their last match here.
Just the ticket:Stand tickets (€25), Terrace (€15). Family tickets for stand (adults €25 and children €5) and terrace (adults €15 and children €3). Students and OAPs can get €10 and €5 rebate on uncovered seats and terrace respectively.
Crystal gazing: In its own way this is as important to Dublin as winning the league: the need to beat a county ranked ahead of them for the past 40 years. Dublin can take the big step.
