by James McMahon
Louth provide the opposition at GAA Headquarters as Dublin begin their quest to win a seventh Leinster title in eight years.
Success at provincial glory shortens the road travelled in pursuit of All-Ireland glory. It’s a journey the Dubs travelled in 2011 and they collected the two prizes on offer.
Looking at the route through Leinster, you would have to say that Pat Gilroy’s side are more than capable of reaching the decider on 22 July.
Needless to say, Sunday’s opposition and either Longford or Wexford will strive to put up meaningful road blocks, but what level of intensity Dublin bring to the table over the summer should also be taken into account.
Their league performances were average to say the least, a marked contrast to the previous spring when they played with a high tempo and an abandon that most teams couldn’t live with.
After delivering Sam last year, Dublin are now there to be shot at, but on their day they are more than capable of lowering the colours of the main contenders that have sights on the ultimate prize.
Louth head to Jones’ Road on the back of a narrow win over Westmeath. It wasn’t a vintage performance, with a Daniel O’Connor goal five minutes into injury time clinching the victory.
The result was tough on the midlanders, but the Wee county’s resilience shone through when it mattered most. Speaking to RTÉ Radio after that game, manager Peter Fitzpatrick was bullish that his side can rattle the All-Ireland champions.
Fighting talk indeed, with ‘Fitzer’ subsequently saying that his side will not be lacking for fitness.
Dublin will have 12 of the side that started last year’s September showdown in their line-up on Sunday. Philly McMahon comes in for the injured Cian O’Sullivan at No 2, while Eamon Fennell partners Michael Dara McAuley in midfield, with Denis Bastick making way.
Alan Brogan switches to the centre-half-forward berth in place of Barry Cahill, with Kevin McManamon filling the No 14 spot.
After missing the entire league campaign, Bernard Brogan returns to action.
Louth welcome back regular full-back Dessie Finnegan, who missed the Westmeath game due to his honeymoon. Danny O’Connor, who scored the winning goal a fortnight ago, is a doubt after fracturing his toe in training.
Declan Byrne and Jamie Carr have both recovered from recent injuries and will available to play some part.
The Wee county are well capable are giving it a right go on Sunday and the experience of playing some big matches at Croke Park in recent times will stand to them.
However Dublin’s quality across the field should see them prevail, but this won’t be a landslide victory for the boys in blue.
Verdict: Dublin
