Of the teams that have emerged to claim the four semi-final spots, I think the remainder of this league competition is of most relevant to Kerry and Roscommon.

Paidi O Se's team scythed through their league programme with a hunger which, I think, reflects their desire to rid themselves of last summer's Munster final disappointment while Roscommon have underlined a very satisfactory return to top flight football with an opportunity to land some early silverware. Derry have been stealthy in their smooth ascent to the pinnacle of Division One B while Meath, of course, more or less had this semi-final place thrust upon them.

The presence of the All-Ireland champions is significant in that it does point to the fact that the competition was a tremendous success in many ways - Meath went into their last game facing the possibility of both relegation and the play-offs. It was a very positive thing that so many teams had something to play for. While Sligo's hard-luck story has been well documented - and they were terribly unlucky - Meath's late arrival serves as a timely reminder that they are the true masters of the half-chance. They have rode too many close shaves to be considered a lucky team. They are, rather, a team who just do not know how to give up the ghost.

Whatever two teams lose on Sunday, Meath would be the least bothered. That said, it is perhaps inevitable that this semi-final will take on a life of its own. On the surface, these are the key teams of the modern eras; if Kerry were the standard bearers in the 1970s and 80s, Meath have emerged as the most consistent and immovable force of the decade just past. Both these sides are expected to be there or thereabouts for the last waltz this September and as such, it won't be an occasion they will treat lightly.

What is left to be said about Meath? They have proven themselves to be a fine footballing unit, brimming with qualities most often associated with the county - mental strength, virtual indifference to adversity and collective resilience.

Let me say that I do fancy Kerry to come through this tussle but I am forced to add an asterix to that prediction now that Seamus Moynihan as been named as a substitute. It is impossible to over emphasise Moynihan's influence on this side. They have a number of excellent defenders but Seamus has identified himself as the engine, the driving force behind them. If he is unable to come in, that will be significant. The consistency of their midfield duo must also be pleasing for Kerry fans and they have a wealth of forward talent. Their only loss was against us (Galway) in the last game when they were already through.

Sunday's forward line bears a more razorish look than that which we faced.

`These are the key teams of the modern eras; if Kerry were the standard bearers in the 1970s and 80s, Meath have emerged as the most consistent and immovable force of the decade just past.

They have kicked some blinding scores over the winter and how useful for Paidi O'Se now to be facing a defence as unforgiving as Meath's. If Sean Boylan is able to call on his key sentries - Darren Fay, Enda McManus, Mark O'Reilly - then Kerry could well discover precisely where they are at in terms of attacking craft.

But talking to Paidi earlier in the year, he reminded me that there is nothing more dangerous than a wounded Kerryman and I believe these players have been hurt by last summer and the feeling that they were substandard.

In some ways, these games are very unpredictable. In the play-offs last year, Meath kicked wonderful points in the hail against Kerry and then met Cork in the semi-final and managed three points. But the most amazing thing about Meath is that they don't seem to over-depend on key players. Trevor Giles, obviously, is central and Ollie Murphy has been devastating but when they need it, some unsung hero steps up. It will be interesting to observe who that will be on Sunday.

Kerry, though, ought to shade it. They have embraced this league in rolling stone fashion and were mentally aware that this day would be coming for some time. There has been a step-by-step look to their league campaign which is indicative of a willingness to maintain a necessary zeal and focus over a sustained period.

Meath are not a side to ever really lose that focus but the All-Ireland carries unavoidable distractions and they did field experimental sides for much of the league, suggesting that competing was enough. No-one would exactly gasp if they won on Sunday - they could well take the whole thing - but Kerry are, at this point, slightly better tuned.

Like the Munster side, I feel that Roscommon's need will be greater than their opponents. While Derry dominated their group, there was no sense that they would overcame obstacles that might seriously have hindered them. There was an ease to their progress. Roscommon, in contrast, had very significant wins away against Tyrone and against Dublin and Cork.

This is a big season for Derry but they are old hands at League semi-finals and are, I think, more focused on the championship.

Roscommon's presence is a breath of fresh air for neutrals and does substantiate the theory that Connacht's revival was no fly-by-night thing - the game is healthy in the province again.

This is an occasion for Roscommon, an event in itself. They have shown nerve in getting here, especially in the last game against Donegal when they lost key personnel early on. I feel they can channel that momentum and sense of accomplishment and prolong this renewed sense of optimism. Kerry and Roscommon for the final.

In an interview with Keith Duggan.