HAVING MET JUST a week ago in the Minor final, Dublin and Galway do battle once again this weekend in the All-Ireland U21 Hurling Final at Semple Stadium in Thurles.
The two teams have not met in a final at this level since 2007, when Galway triumphed to leave Dublin still searching for their first hurling title at the grade.
It is a different Dublin side that comes into this clash, fresh from an impressive Leinster final win over Wexford and a facile victory over Antrim in the semi-final that could lead to a false sense of security for captain Liam Rushe, manager John McEvoy et al.
The Tribesmen have had far fewer games to play but their semi-final against Limerick proved to be an epic battle that remains fresh in the memory. Buoyed by the success of the Minors last week, Anthony Cunningham’s side go in as slight favourites.
GAA President Christy Cooney set the scene on Friday: “For the second year running all roads lead to Semple Stadium, Thurles for the climax of the Bord Gáis Energy U-21 Hurling final which this year pits Dublin and Galway against each other.
“Last year’s fixture was a memorable game with Tipperary successfully holding off the Galway challenge to crown a memorable week but the men of the West get another chance to stake a claim for top honours this weekend.
“That they come against Dublin is further evidence of that county’s ongoing progress and the Dubs will no doubt recall losing to the same opposition in the 2007 decider.
“I am looking forward to what should be a tremendous encounter and I know the players, managers, supporters and our competition partners Bord Gáis Energy will view it in a similar vein.”
