by Adam Moynihan

All-Ireland SFC Final

Kerry v Galway

Sunday at 3.30pm

Croke Park

Eight years without an All-Ireland is little more than a short break between courses for most diners. For Kerry, it’s a famine.

Since The Kingdom’s first All-Ireland triumph in 1903 (played in 1905), their longest barren spell was the 10-year period from 1987 to 1996. The second longest was from 1915 to 1923 (nine years), and the current run of seven (going on eight) years without an All-Ireland is the third worst.

Non-Kerry readers might roll their eyes at those statistics. But the nature of the Kerry football psyche means that the appetite for All-Ireland glory is currently just as great – if not greater - than it is in any other county in Ireland (regardless of how long the wait has been for them or for us).

After a run of heart-breaking defeats, this iteration of the Kerry team is now on the cusp. 70 minutes more. Famine or feast.

TEAM NEWS

Gavin White has been named to start for Kerry despite concerns over an injured knee.

The Dr Crokes man had been rated as "doubtful" by his manager after being carried off the field during the latter stages of the semi-final victory over Dublin. His inclusion is encouraging - O'Connor would not waste a spot on a player who had no chance of playing - but we will have to wait until Sunday to see if White has, in fact, recovered.

Jack Barry retains his starting place in midfield alongside David Moran with Diarmuid O'Connor once again lining out at 10.

Spa's Dara Moynihan is a notable omission from the squad, presumably due to injury. Stefan Okunbor returns to the 26 in Moynihan's stead.

Galway are yet to name their team; for the All-Ireland semi-final against Derry, they announced it the night before the game.

MATCH-UPS

As has been the case for all their games this season, Kerry are the bookmakers' favourites to prevail against Galway. Considering way the Dublin match played out, defeating their greatest rivals in such an intense battle, perhaps that stands to reason.

Galway have impressed too, however, and their attack is more than strong enough to cause Kerry problems. Burly full-forward Damien Comer is a cert for an All-Star and he will be flanked on either side by the skilful duo of Shane Walsh and Rob Finnerty.

Jason Foley appears to be the most likely to candidate to track Comer with Tom and Graham O'Sullivan expected to mark Walsh and Finnerty respectively.

Galway's all-action midfield pairing of Paul Conroy and Cillian McDaid have been excellent this season and Kerry midfielders David Moran and Jack Barry will have a tough task on their hands to stop them.

As for Kerry's attack, key player David Clifford might be picked up by Seán Kelly. Galway's captain also went head-to-head with Clifford in this year's Sigerson Cup final.

PREDICTION

Manager Pádraic Joyce has this Galway team in a very good place and there's no question that they're in with a really sound chance of ending their 21-year wait for an All-Ireland.

Joyce's counterpart Jack O'Connor will also feel as though his side are looking strong, however, and most observers seem to agree that if both teams play to their potential, Kerry will more than likely win.

Questions about their mental toughness appear to have been answered (at least to some extent) and if they can put in another intense, professional and disciplined performance, Sam Maguire should be residing in The Kingdom on Monday night.

Verdict: Kerry

KERRY TEAM TO PLAY GALWAY

1. Shane Ryan (Rathmore)

2. Graham O’Sullivan (Dromid Pearses)

3. Jason Foley (Ballydonoghue)

4. Tom O’Sullivan (Dingle)

5. Brian Ó Beaglaoich (An Ghaeltacht)

6. Tadhg Morley (Templenoe)

7. Gavin White (Dr Crokes)

8. David Moran (Kerins O'Rahillys)

9. Jack Barry (Na Gaeil)

10. Diarmuid O’Connor (Na Gaeil)

11. Seán O’Shea (Captain - Kenmare Shamrocks)

12. Stephen O’Brien (Kenmare Shamrocks)

13. Paudie Clifford (Fossa)

14. David Clifford (Fossa)

15. Paul Geaney (Dingle)

Subs: S Murphy, P Murphy, K Spillane, A Spillane, M Burns, J O’Connor, T Brosnan, G Crowley, J Savage, J O’Shea, S Okunbor.