Although the build-up to Sunday's Bank of Ireland Leinster football championship clash between Dublin and Kildare has begun in earnest, the visiting team are determinedly shying away from the bright lights, concentrating on a low-key build-up.
Although Kildare have not emerged from Leinster since 1956, they have enjoyed an astonishingly high profile throughout this decade. For their legion of supporters, they are a frustrating bunch of players; often beguiling but fatally inconsistent.
Yet the onset of every May leaves them tipped to discover the secret of reliability, something they seemed to have done last year when they unearthed a real spine in defeating Laois despite being reduced to just 13 men after 10 minutes.
Then came Meath, ready to deliver a lecture on Leinster football's world order. Kildare held the All-Ireland champions to a draw and, in the replay, the sides slogged it out before Kildare, once six points up, scrambled over an injury-time lifeline. Their interest ended with the second replay a week later.
"Maybe we relaxed a little after the Laois win, I don't know. Certainly there have been disappointments over the last few years but the preparation has been great this year and the lads are absolutely relishing the prospect of going up to Croke Park," said county PRO Richie Whelan.
Most of Sunday's team were mastering the finer points of walking when Kildare last beat Dublin, back in 1972. But those involved with the camp deny that there exists an underlying feeling of anxiety, a worry that the breakthrough needs to arrive sharply.
"The huge support Kildare enjoys, winter and summer, probably reflects the desire for success in the county. Kildare people love sports and the players know there is a huge hunger here. But they are patient. If you take away Davy Dalton and a few other senior lads, the average age of this team is around 27. There is a lot in the tanks yet, and the supporters know that," said Whelan.
The selection of Mick O'Dwyer's son Karl on Sunday's team won't tamper with that age average; the Waterville man is 27, peaking after a glittering club career. How is his selection viewed within Kildare?
"We are delighted to have him. He has a tremendous talent and gives us an added attacking option. That he is Mick's son is irrelevant really. He was picked after being watched by the selectors as well as the manager."
Nor does Whelan accept the argument that the selection of the Kerry native - now domiciled in Rathangan - masks a paucity of quality forwards in Kildare.
"That's just not true. As well as a good attacking six, we also have fine forwards on the bench in Damien Deehan and Adrian McArthur, so the options are there."
There is a feeling in the Kildare set-up that midfield superiority could well pave the way to victory. They are hopeful of an open game but are all too aware that space will be at a premium.
"Naturally everything is going to be fiercely contested. But Croke Park is like a second home to us now, we will be going up there with confidence."
Meanwhile, Kildare are still treating Davy Dalton, their 34year-old full back, who pulled a hamstring at training last week. His chances of playing are now considered slim.
The GAA has announced that tickets for the Canal End will go on sale at Hughes's Shop opposite the Hogan Stand on Jones Road from 11.30 a.m. to 4.0 p.m. on Saturday next. The tickets cost £6.0. The stands and Hill 16 have already been sold out.
