The last ever Football U21 All Ireland takes place in Tullamore this weekend as Galway and Dublin bring down the curtain on what has been a hugely popular and entertaining competition down through the years. This year’s finalists arrive at this juncture having both won as underdogs in their respective semi-finals.
Dublin in the end were comfortable winners over a fancied Donegal side on a score line of 1- 13 to 0-09. It was difficult proposition for Donegal who only had five days to prepare for the game, after they had won the Ulster final on the Monday night. Dublin having played their Leinster final more than two weeks earlier were afforded the opportunity of time, which helped develop a game plan that would frustrate and stifle Donegal. Dessie Farrell had his team drilled expertly, dominating possession by using the short kick out to avoid Donegal’s big men around the middle of the park. They also kept their width and retained possession, waiting to create the high percentage scoring opportunity. All this was achieved without star forward Con O’Callaghan who was black carded inside the first five minutes.
Galway the 11/2 outsiders against Kerry shocked everyone with their brilliant display of old school traditional football, a style of play that pulled at the heartstrings of every GAA follower. Kerry were shell-shocked from the start and could not come to grips with the free flowing style of the westerners. Kerry constantly kicked long from their restarts, into an area Galway were so dominant with Peter Cooke excelling.
Looking forward to Saturdays final we need to ask the question of who has the greater scope for improvement. Galway were able to sail into their semi with Kerry completely under the radar, but the spotlight is certainly on them now. We are sure Dessie Farrell will have looked at the strengths of the Galway midfield and will have developed a plan to have runners coming short on their own kickouts. Also having Con O’Callaghan available is a huge boost and the gifted footballer is capable of winning a game on his own. The 6/5 available on Dublin with Paddy Power appears generous and we will have a 2pt stake on this.
Both sides look to play an open brand of football and with this being the last ever U21 final we expect it to be an epic game. Dublin scored 1-13 in their semi, while Galway kicked 2-14 against Kerry. Galway are a very attacking side which means they both can score big and will concede opportunities. Boylesports have this game priced at Over 29.5ps at 4/5 and whereas Powers have it at over 31.5pts at 5/6 so there is value in what Boyles are offering. We hope both sides bring their shooting boots with them and recommend a 3pt stake on Over 29.5pts at 4/5 with Boyles.
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