Niall Buckley - Club: Sarsfields. Age: 25. Occupation: Company rep. Height: 6 ft 1 in. Weight: 12st 5lbs.

Honours: Leinster SFC 1998; Leinster under-21 (captain) 1992; Leinster MFC 1991; All Star 1997.

Best performance: "Our best game was possibly in the Leinster final against Meath. We were under a bit of pressure to win and it was encouraging that we responded to that. Getting over Dublin was a fair achievement as well, so was the win over Kerry in the All-Ireland semi-final. It's hard to single out one particular game."

Most disappointing performance: "Losing any game, particularly in the championship is disappointing. But losing the last of three games against Meath was tough to take. From a personal point of view, having to cry off the team just before the Leinster final was heartbreaking."

What has made the difference for Kildare this year: "Ah, there is no difference really. I think the main thing is that we have been getting a rub of the green this championship. Little things at crucial times have been going our way, even the odd refereeing decision. That makes a difference. But there is no one reason behind our performances this year."

Opposing views - Brian Stynes (Dublin midfielder): "I would rate him very highly in that he covers the midfield so well. He matches that with his great fielding and scoring ability. I didn't think Kildare would beat Kerry without him and I certainly don't think they would have beaten us if it wasn't for his free-taking. He's not the tightest of markers but with such all-round skill and experience is definitely match-winning material."

Nigel Nestor (Meath midfielder): "He's the main play-maker in this Kildare team and even though it's only this season that he's reached such profile I'd say he is one of the best players I've seen for a few years. A great fielder with a phenomenal workrate, he's deceptively strong and sort of bounces of you with his strength. It's a credit to Kildare that they got by without him against Kerry because I think he's a most influential player."

Ray Silke - Club: Corofin. Age: 28. Occupation: Works with disadvantaged children. Height: 5 ft 11 ins. Weight: 11st 9lbs.

Honours: Connacht SFC 1998; All-Ireland Club 1998.

Best performance: "I think to beat Mayo in Castlebar was nice, particularly after the last two years but we won't dwell on it. Until a Connacht team wins an All-Ireland it doesn't really matter. They have beaten us before and should have gone onto win an All-Ireland."

Most disappointing performance: "The second half against Roscommon in Tuam. We couldn't get anything going. There was a thin line between them going 0-12 to 0-10 up and it being 0-11 each. I remember thinking to myself, well I hope you enjoyed your year as captain because it's over. We got the equaliser and haven't been as bad since."

What has made the difference for Galway this year: "A little self belief. John O'Mahony has come on board. Val Daly did tremendous work last year but it was Val's first season as an inter-county manager. This is John's eighth year. He knows the little tricks as well as everything else. Then there is the bit of luck. The last factor would be the players we have got off the under-21 panel."

Opposing views - Eddie Lohan (Roscommon half forward): "Obviously one of the main men in the squad for his experience and leadership abilities. Very strong on the ball and a great passer, he's also a tight marker and caused me plenty of problems with his ability to read the game. He may be inclined to stay a bit far back but still motivates the entire team with his commitment."

Peter McGinnity (Leitrim manager): "Hasn't had an outstanding championship but his leadership qualities alone make him invaluable to this Galway team. I certainly saw no weakness in the game against us but he may play a bit loose and come up slightly short on pace. Still, I expect him to be a big factor."