Keith Duggan talks to former Galway player Brian Talty, now an under-21 selector with Dublin, about the benefits of the underage grade

When Brian Talty played under-21 football for Galway in the 1970s, he regarded it as a stepping stone to greater things rather than an achievement in its own right.

Now, as a selector with Tommy Lyons's Dublin side, he is pleased to see the forgotten grade gaining some attention.

"When I was at the 21 stage, there was not very much significance placed on it," he recalls. "You aimed to play minor and after that senior.

"The under-21 was sandwiched in between and it lacked emphasis. I think counties are beginning to realise now young players do need a grade at which they can develop before beginning their senior careers."

Tomorrow's final between Dublin and Galway has benefited from the presence of Lyons and John O'Mahony on the sidelines, two of the most popular and successful Gaelic managers in the country.

Both underage teams are laced with already established senior jewels, making the fixture exceptionally popular.

Lyons made a point of directing the massive city support that he revived over the summer towards his under-21 side on the very evening the beloved seniors were eliminated.

And O'Mahony celebrated a welcome decision to commit to three further years in Galway with a champagne win against Kerry. The enthusiasm and personality of both men have helped to create an element of occasion for this final.

"Definitely, they are both deeply committed to this grade," says Talty. "That neither county has a particularly successful record at the grade increases the desire to win this year.

"And also, it's the last All-Ireland of the year, the only competition left. It would be a good way to close out the season for both counties."

Although resident in Dublin for many years, Talty is remembered as a classy Galway player. A product of Tuam Stars, he enjoyed a distinguished career at colleges, club and inter-county level and is indelibly associated with the infamous 1983 All-Ireland final between Dublin and Galway.

After retiring from the county game, he remained deeply involved with the development of the game in Dublin and is currently training the Parnells squad, with whom he won a local championship medal as a player.

He maintains close links with his home county and keeps an eagle eye for new talent.

"Knowing John O'Mahony, it's safe to assume that a thorough sweep of the county would have been carried out. Galway's strength in depth is self-evident.

"That the likes of Joe Bergin and Kieran Fitzgerald are still at this level is astonishing given what they have already achieved.

"But it is very likely that Galway will develop more senior players from this campaign. That is the lasting value of under-21.

"It is bridging that gap between minor and senior where so many potential players have been lost."

Talty has been involved with the Dublin under-21 players since they first came together as a development squad at under-16 level.

He has taken particular delight in the progression of his club-mate, senior and under-21 goalkeeper Stephen Cluxton, the quiet star of Tommy Lyons's maiden season. His work at coaching clinics leaves him very optimistic about the future of the game in the city.

"Certainly, at this grade, I think Dublin are very strong and there are many fine young players coming through. The necessary work has been put in at this level and Dublin fans should see the fruits of that over the next few years.

"The statistic that the county hadn't won a Leinster under-21 title since 1984 is a bit jarring and this year's success should give the grade a bit of momentum.

"I think people realise now that it was a bad idea to shelve interest in the under-21 title. Maybe Tyrone's success in the past few years led the way, some marvellous players have come through their system and more counties will follow suit.

"In fairness to Tom Carr and John O'Leary, they initiated work at this level during their time in charge."

Ultimately, both O'Mahony and Lyons are looking at the bigger picture as they invest their time at this level.

Lyons vowed after losing to Armagh that Dublin's senior squad would perpetually evolve under him and it is likely that he will seek to bring in more fresh faces next spring.

As well as his six established senior players, Lyons is nurturing the likes of dual player Connell Keaney and Mossie Quinn from St Vincent's, possibly the answer to the city's bittersweet relationship with free-kicks.

"It's highly probable that a number of these lads will be seen in the league next year," reckons Talty.

"And that is another incentive for the players from each county. The system has an added advantage in that, having worked with the senior manager all season, they are comfortable when they are brought into the senior set-up."

Although cheerfully admitting he is probably "stuck in the city for good", Talty remains a devout Galway man. However, he has no problem nailing his colours to the Dublin mast for this Sunday.

Some sort of crossing is inevitable, with several young Taltys already showing the kind of promise that may catch the eyes of selectors in years to come.

He laughs when it is put to him that there would be uproar in Tuam and all across Galway if a Talty were to be seen in the sky blue shirt of Dublin.

"Ah, it's too late. Sure won't I be wearing one myself on the sideline the next day?

"I'll just have to try and keep a low profile. You wouldn't want a picture of that appearing in the Tuam Herald."

Talty will hardly be lonesome on the sideline. With Lyons on one side of him, he also has known John O'Mahony for many years, played for Galway alongside Stephen Joyce and was a club-mate of Pete Warren. They are hardly strangers.

"Well, there won't be much second guessing going on. But the two teams have met on a few occasions already this season and we are all well versed on strengths and so on. They are both really good football teams and I think it will be a terrific occasion, a terrific game."

And no matter what the result, Brian Talty can't really lose.

"Oh, I don't know about that. I think for this one time, it has to be Dublin."