Preview: All-Ireland SFC Semi-Final Dublin v Kerry

Dublin will hope to progress to their first All-Ireland Senior Football Final in three years, when they meet Kerry in their eagerly-anticipated last four clash at Croke Park this Sunday afternoon (4.00). 

The Kingdom were the opponents on that occasion in 2023, as Dublin finished strongly to claim a 1-15 to 1-13 success.

But it’s highly unlikely we’ll witness a similar paucity of scores this weekend, given the attacking talent on view and more relevantly, the impact the new rules have had in the intervening years. 

Of course, the shadow of David Clifford looms large over Sunday’s fixture and if Dublin can keep a tight rein on him, then their chances will be greatly enhanced. 

That is easier said than done, however, and Clifford’s influence was there for all to see in their quarter-final victory over Tyrone last Saturday week, as he scored 1-8- including some vital points in the second-half that helped keep the Red Hands at bay. 

Dylan Geaney also caught the eye up front with eight points from play and those contributions were vital in the holders getting over the line, given that they were pushed far harder than many had anticipated. 

The fear from a Dublin perspective is that any complacency that the Kingdom may have had is long gone, but the Dubs can enter Sunday’s clash with a fair degree of confidence given the manner of their recent wins against both Donegal and Galway. 

Their season seemed destined to peter out, but those victories and the return to the sideline of manager Ger Brennan have added a freshness and intensity to their campaign as the summer has evolved. 

Nowhere has this improvement been so obvious as in their forward line, where the return from injury of Colm Basquel has brought an added dimension up front, while the likes of Niall Scully, Con O’Callaghan and Paddy Small have been making consistent contributions throughout.

Whether they are allowed to influence Sunday’s clash in a similar manner depends largely on the platform that Peadar Ó Cofaigh Byrne and Brian Howard can provide at midfield. 

To win, Dublin need to build on their undoubted momentum and improve once again, but Kerry are the ultimate test of any team’s wellbeing and they remain deserved favourites to advance to the decider. 

Having said that, the meeting of these old rivals has taught us to expect the unexpected and it’s highly likely that the outcome won’t be decided right up until the final whistle. 

For those unable to attend, the match will be shown live on RTE 2, with their coverage starting at 3.15pm.

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Supporters attending the game this Sunday are asked to follow the below advice:

• Come early and enjoy the atmosphere, stiles open 60 minutes prior to the first game. The Junior Football Final will take place on Sunday prior to the game.

• Plan your journey in advance and leave plenty of time to arrive in stadium. There are a number of other city events taking place. Where possible use public transport.

• Have your ticket downloaded in advance.

• Prepare for the weather and plan accordingly.

• Follow the instructions of Stewards and An Garda Siochana at all times

• Supporters are reminded that flares and smoke cannisters are dangerous and illegal and are strictly prohibited. Anti-social behaviour will not be tolerated.

• Remember Croke Park is in a residential area Please Respect our neighbours.