Preview: Leinster SHC final - Galway v Dublin
July 06, 2013
Galway's Andy Smith and John McCaffrey of Dublin during the replay at O'Moore Park Portlaoise
It has been a brilliant hurling championship so far, which Dublin have contributed enormously to. It may have taken them a year longer than expected, but Anthony Daly's charges are now fulfilling the potential they showed in 2011 when they won the Allianz League title and also contested the Leinster final and the All-Ireland semi-final. In reaching the Leinster final that year, they recorded a memorable win over Galway in Tullamore.
After sending the All-Ireland champions packing at the second time of asking last Saturday, the Dubs are just 70 minutes away from capturing their first provincial crown since 1961, but they face a massive task against the holders in what will be their fifth championship game in as many weeks. It would be a huge anti-climax for them if they were to fall short after their heroics against the Cats.
Galway were poor against Kilkenny in the Allianz League semi-final and received an almighty scare from Laois in their only championship outing to date. It would be wonderful for hurling if Dublin could bring home the Bob O'Keeffe Cup, and they certainly have the ability to do so.
But the exertions of recent weeks could take their toll, and the safe money is on Joe Canning and co. to reign in the east again.
Verdict:Galway
Galway: James Skehill; Fergal Moore, Kevin Hynes, Johnny Coen; David Collins, Shane Kavanagh, Joseph Cooney; Iarla Tannian, James Regan; David Burke, Conor Cooney, Cyril Donnellan; David Glennon, Joe Canning, Niall Burke.
Dublin: Gary Maguire; Niall Corcoran, Peter Kelly, Paul Schutte; Stephen Hiney, Liam Rushe, Michael Carton; John McCaffrey, Joseph Boland; Conal Keaney, Ryan O'Dwyer, Danny Sutcliffe; David O'Callaghan, David Treacy, Paul Ryan.
Referee: Johnny Ryan
Odds: Galway 2/5, Draw 10/1, Dublin 9/4
Match Details: Croke Park; 4pm; Sunday, July 7 Tweet
