Sunday December 10

AIB Leinster Club SFC Final

Moorefield (Kildare) v St Loman's, Mullingar (Westmeath), O'Moore Park, 2pm

When Rathnew dumped St Vincent's out of the Leinster reckoning all those remaining in the race were adamant that provincial silverware could be secured.

For Moorefield and St Loman's that is still the case. This promises to be a fascinating match between two teams, who believe victory is possible.

Moorefield are renowned for fast starts, Loman's have just completed two dramatic come from behind comebacks. Who will prevail this weekend?

Faced with Rathnew at the penultimate stage Moorefield had sufficient character to eke out a victory. Rathnew are hardened competitors, but Moorefield feel that they should have registered more than one Leinster success.

Back in 2006 Moorefield's admirable commitment to underage coaching was rewarded with eastern glory. Now a new wave of talent are representing Moorefield, who were prompted by the splendid forward play of Eanna O'Connor and Niall Hurley Lynch against Rathnew.

Daryl Flynn and Ronan Sweeney supply significant experience and links to a time when Moorefield were a feared club throughout the land.

Loman's are currently enjoying their most productive burst in Westmeath having collected four titles in the past five years.

In 2017, though, the manner in which Luke Dempsey's charges beat St Columba's Mullinalaghta and Simonstown Gaels bodes well.

Dempsey has spoken about how Loman's substitutes impacted those games and he will be hoping for similar interventions in Portlaoise.

Shane Dempsey and Ken Casey are capable score getters in attack, while Paddy Dowdall remains an influential figure. Paul Sharry and John Heslin are Loman's marquee men and this is a fitting stage for their talent.

On the line Dempsey will know plenty about Moorefield's strengths after guiding them to a couple of Kildare crowns before taking charge of Loman's.