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I'm a little surprised by the venue. I figured they'd be back to HQ. I know it won't be expected to draw a big crowd but the prestige factor meant I thought they'd do it in Croker again.

Maintaining good supply is going to be a big challenge for Garrycastle. In three games I've watched them, there have been phases where the full backs were disconnected from the rest of the team to the point at it disrupted moving the ball upfield. The way Cross press in waves, it's going to be vital for Garrycastle's defence to establish itself early.

Seanie O'Donoghue, who has had a great campaign, is going to be a big factor. If he stays the defensive side of midfield he could prove a huge asset in terms of creating attacks from deep. Should be a cracker either way.

Possibly most importantly, the Willie Joe Padden story is worrying. We don't want those still developing their palate getting bad habits and looking for significant amount of head on their pints. "More stout, less froth" would have been a better maxim.

The two semi-final pairings look particularly close. The derby game should be really close. I was at both provincial finals, plenty to like about both teams but also lots for each to exploit.

Got my transport sorted. Is there a game before it or is it the senior final standalone?

I'm about as big a Notre Dame fan as they come on this island and even I thought the idea was nonsense when I read it. There's no question the All Irelands moved for the GAA's own reasons.

On the upside for Dublin hoteliers/B&B it does give them 3 big weekends instead of 2 in September. There'll be a big travelling contingent for Notre Dame vs Navy, they brought a few thousand to the city in 1996 and I'd expect the same again in September.

I think there was an element of swarm to the attack in the way Cross played that overwhelmed the Ballinderry defence early. I was at midfield in the press box and Cross frequently had 10 men inside Ballinderry territory when going forward.

It was an impressive comeback by Ballinderry, played a counter-punching game passing the ball at speed. Crossmaglen's diversity of options for shooting really is something at this level. They can hurt you in a lot of ways and that's really tough to defend against.

Aye Derrytresk looked the real deal in the second half. Going to be tough for anyone to beat them at that level.

Cheers for the info. I think I've a lift sorted from Athlone but I'll keep that option in mind.

Ah cheers for the heads up. Yeah I should be able to arrange something if all else fails.

Really? Hmm ok. This is what popped out for me on Google Maps http://maps.google.com/maps?saddr=Kiltoom,+Cornaseer,+Ireland&daddr=Athlone,+Co.+West+Meath,+Ireland&hl=en&sll=53.448225,-7.98285&sspn=0.062669,0.181789&geocode=FSXpLwMdpJuF_ynPeOqmAThcSDHjjDRBaMQulg%3BFSgzLwMdFMWG_ymfjGQ-AUlcSDGA471GjRr52g&vpsrc=0&dirflg=w&mra=ltm&t=m&z=13

8 miles would be 16 in total but with roughly 3 hours between legs. Not undoable but not pleasant.

Hmm Google maps says 5 miles from Athlone train station. That's not unmanageable on foot (I've done much, much crazier).

Really? Feck. Are there any busses from Athlone to there?

Any word on a venue for the final yet?

Cheers for that ross4life