When Offaly reconstructed the perceived course of the Bank of Ireland All-Ireland championship by removing Meath early on, the feeling was that either Kildare or Dublin would emerge as the ultimate benefactors of that endeavour.

So it has transpired. Such was the stranglehold that Meath had exerted on the province that both these counties were in danger of being reduced to the role of pretenders. Now, Kildare have an opportunity to cash in on the promise of 1998 while Dublin can make the most significant noise since their last Leinster triumph five summers ago.

Both sides will fancy their chances here and the claims that both sides make are persuasive.

Kildare appear to have almost nonchalantly cranked up the 1998 bandwagon again after a dogged early win over Louth. Although Mick O'Dwyer has become rapidly fed-up of the admittedly persistent references to their storied tally of 19 wides in that match, Kildare's profligacy has long been identified as the stone over which they repeatedly stumble.

But they impressively redressed that flaw over the two games against Offaly, with young Padraig Brennan and Eddie McCormack fronting an attack that was at times devastating.

Midfielder Willie McCreery adds telling impetus during his frequent bursts forward and the roaming Dermot Earley has shown signs of really heating up again.

Now, the key question about Kildare is whether they can be as efficient tomorrow. Another sustained display of accuracy could well usher them through to the semi-finals stages again.

Dublin made for a confounding sight during the National League, making it hard to read their potential summer form. They have tip-toed their way to this stage of the championship, doing the necessary against Wexford and also smoothly ending the Westmeath challenge, a match in which they were never threatened. A slightly stiffer contest might have suited Tom Carr.

But despite the tame nature of the fare, there have been encouraging signs for the team. With such a wonderful name, it is amazing that Colman Goggins didn't come to prominence sooner, but after wintering away the league concerned about the bothersome left-corner back spot, Carr threw the newcomer in at the outset of the championship and thus far he has looked assured. Brennan represents his toughest test.

The Dublin full-back line has come under heavy scrutiny from a home jury who have yet to be convinced, but Paddy Christie and Shane Ryan have been exemplary thus far. At wing back, Paul Curran appears to have recaptured his vintage form and the return of Ciaran Whelan is an inestimable boost to the side. Up front, Jason Sherlock has begun to shimmer and Jim Gavin had a fine hour against Westmeath, but they will need big returns from Ian Robertson and Senan Connell tomorrow.

Kildare have myriad options around centrefield, with Earley generally lurking around the catchment area, while swapping Martin Lynch and Ronan Sweeney worked a treat last time out. Dublin have athleticism and talent enough in Brian Stynes and Whelan to deal with that, but the city pair are in for a busy afternoon.

Kildare's defensive attributes remain as sound as ever. John Finn and Anthony Rainbow are exemplary wing backs and Glen Ryan looks fresh and authoritative again in the centre. The dual between Robertson and Ronan Quinn could prove crucial and it will be interesting to see if Sherlock thrives in tomorrow's rarefied atmosphere.

Although both teams are comprised of strong, forceful athletes, they also invest faith in their ball-playing ability, which could make tomorrow's game a good spectacle. Dublin could profit if Kildare persist with those ponderous short passing movements of old but against that the city side may falter through the lack of consistency which has dogged them in recent years.

It ought to be very, very close. Dublin football could use another Leinster title and if the team hits form tomorrow could be their day. But Kildare have that look about them. They have taken stock since 1998, look to have discovered a more fluent attack and emerge strengthened after their travails against Offaly. That momentum will prove sufficient to yield them their second Leinster title in three years.

In a statement released yesterday, the GAA authorities advise supporters intending to travel to Croke Park for tomorrow's Leinster final not to buy tickets from unauthorised sources.

It had come to the GAA's attention that a small number of tickets issued for the game during the last seven days have not reached their intended destinations. Anyone who buys a ticket from an unauthorised source cannot be guaranteed entry or a seat. Tomorrow's game is completely sold out.