TOMORROW DUBLIN'S footballers go in search of a fourth successive provincial title for the first time in 13 years. They won't need reminding the last time they achieved that distinction the All-Ireland followed within a couple of months.
The final also features a first appearance by Wexford since the county lost to Kildare in 1956, and Leinster Council have been pleasantly surprised by the strength of interest in the county, which normally doesn't follow its footballers as avidly as it does the hurlers.
Were Meath providing the opposition, the sense of tension would be palpable, and certainly had Meath overhauled Wexford as spectacularly as happened the other way around Dublin would be underdogs for many people.
Instead, and for all the soothing words, there is an assumption Jason Ryan's team will labour under the disadvantage of playing in a first Leinster final in 52 years on the basis the achievement of getting there will be a distraction in itself. That can, however, be exaggerated. Three years ago Wexford came close to scalping Dublin in Paul Caffrey's first season in charge and aborting what has become an unbeaten run in Leinster since June 2004.
Wexford's defeat of Laois was interesting. It's easy to say the opposition was unimpressive and should have been put away more emphatically but for a team that had failed in four successive semi-finals the pressure was significant and for them in the circumstances to win by six was an achievement.
The main drive for the team came from the industry around the middle and the support running of the wing backs. Wexford also have good forwards, Redmond Barry, PJ Banville, Ciarán Lyng and of course Matty Forde.
They have a greater range of attacking options than Westmeath, who pushed Dublin all the way in the other semi-final.
This is a major concern for Dublin, whose defensive insecurities have been a nagging constant.
The talk is the announced team will feature a couple of changes, with Paul Casey due to come in for Stephen O'Shaughnessy, who has an injury, or maybe even Ross McConnell regaining his place, as there is an apprehension Wexford might want to exploit the lack of height in the Dublin full backs as selected by switching in Eric Bradley or another big player to the edge of the square.
It is not expected though that Colin Moran, yesterday freed to play by the Disputes Resolution Authority, will reclaim the starting place from the promising Kevin Nolan, who got his big chance in Moran's anticipated absence.
Wexford had problems at full back, where Philip Wallace, despite being mentioned in dispatches for his leadership and focus at the back, is vulnerable to movement, and word is Diarmuid Connolly - although not the fastest - is being detailed to glide in the direction of the opposition square.
For all that Dublin's defence has the more obvious issues to deal with, the champions' forwards have been more disappointing and will need to step up the productivity as well as mark the flanks very carefully given the verve displayed by Wexford's wing backs, particularly Adrian Morrissey.
Dublin have, however, the better centrefield and enough speed to counter Wexford going forward. They also have the greater experience of these occasions, and the semi-final showed them capable of grafting out a result, which they will have to do.
DUBLIN:S Cluxton; D Henry, P Griffin, S O'Shaughnessy; K Nolan, B Cullen, B Cahill; C Whelan, S Ryan; D Connolly, J Sherlock, K Bonner; A Brogan, C Keaney, T Quinn.
WEXFORD:A Masterson; N Murphy, P Wallace, B Malone; A Morrissey, D Murphy, C Morris; T Howlin, B Doyle; R Barry, E Bradley, A Flynn; C Lyng, PJ Banville, M Forde.
Referee:Gearóid Ó Conámha (Galway).
Dublin v Wexford
Venue:Croke Park
Throw-in:Sunday, 4pm
On TV:RTÉ Two
GUIDELINES
In the last episode:The counties met three years ago in a semi-final that saw Dublin rehabilitating towards a first Leinster title in Paul Caffrey's debut season as manager. Wexford took it to the wire but hadn't until this year built on that performance.
You bet:Dublin are 2/7 with Wexford 7/2 and 9/1 the draw. On the handicap Dublin (-4) are 21/20 and Wexford (+4) 10/11.
On your marks:Centrefield will be vital for Dublin, both in protecting the defence and establishing a supply-line to the forwards. Ciarán Whelan starts for the first time this season and together with Shane Ryan will have to take control of a sector where Thomas Howlin and Brendan Doyle, supplemented by Eric Bradley, dismantled Laois.
Gaining ground:Croke Park is an advantage to Dublin who have played any number of matches before capacity attendances in recent years but Wexford aren't neophytes either and shouldn't be fazed by the venue whatever about the occasion.
Crystal gazing:Dublin's defensive frailties in recent years haven't come against the team decisively until later in the championship and despite genuine quality in the Wexford attack that's ultimately unlikely to change tomorrow.
Just the ticket:Sold out.
