Final could hinge on moment of brilliance

After much procrastination and no shortage of Hallowe'en devilment the Meath SFC final will finally go ahead on Sunday at Pairc Tailteann when Wolfe Tones will take on Seneschalstown in what promising to be a thrilling encounter. Few would have predicted an SFC final pairing that included Seneschalstown and Wolfe Tones, but following their respective semi-final victories over Summerhill and Navan O'Mahonys both sides will be bidding for their second title in recent years when they clash at Pairc Tailteann on Sunday. The toll that those games took on the finalists will have a huge bearing on the outcome and a lot will depend on how Wolfe Tones have emerged from two tough semi-finals and a period of extra-time against the defending champions, although the extra, unexpected weekend off will be of huge benefit. Seneschalstown have had a longer opportunity for injuries to heal and weary legs to recover and more importantly their confidence must be sky high. After scraping into the knockout stages by virtue of scoring difference they have taken full advantage and a hugely impressive quarter-final win over Skryne reignited the hope that they can recapture the Keegan Cup they last claimed in 2007. The win over Summerhill saw a return to some unsteady form, but credit must be given for overcoming last years beaten finalists courtesy of Brian Clarke's last gasp '45' that ensured a leg-sapping period of extra-time was avoided. That score could yet prove to be more valuable that first thought. The extra rest could be the most decisive factor in next Sunday's final as Wolfe Tones are sure to be still feeling the exertions of the semi-final replay against O'Mahonys. Adrenalin and hunger will keep Wolfe Tones going, but at some stage of the contest, especially if it is a tight game, they will start to feel the effects of four games in six weeks and third in 21 days and it depends how they react. There is no doubting that on form Sunday's game should be a hugely entertaining contest, but too often in the past finals fail to live up to their billing and if the normal scenario is followed then the outcvome could hinge on either a moment of brilliance or a pieve of hard luck. Both Wolfe Tones and Seneschalstown possess an individual capable of moments of outstanding brilliance. Despite his young years Cian Ward has been setting the Meath SFC alight with some wonderful performances for many seasons. He can produce moments of sheer genius out of nothing and Seneschalstown will have to be weary of his constant threat. Ward can have a quiet game for 59 minutes and Andrew Collins is more than capable of shackling the Meath talisman, but in the blink of an eye the Wolfe Tones ace can destroy any opponent with a swift side step and a flash of brilliance. Just as Ward can inspire Wolfe Tones, Seneschalstown have their own magician in Joe Sheridan. Meath's sole Allstar nominee enjoyed a renaissance with the county team this year, and he has rarely disappointed at club level. He is another player who has amazing ball-winning capabilities and if he can win decisive possession his powerful drive and ability to create space for colleagues could well be the key to unlocking a resolute Wolfe Tones defence. Ward will carry the majority of Wolfe Tones expectations on his confident shoulders, but it is in defence where Cathal O Bric's charges have laid the foundation for many of their more impressive displays. Against Navan O'Mahonys the half-back line of Barry McGinn, Eoghan Harrington and Stephen Sheppard were superb and with good assistance from Stephen Corrigan, Ciaran McLoughlin and Ciaran Martin Wolfe Tones will be a hard side to break down. Seneschalstown also boast a determined rearguard with Collins, Gerry Sheridan, Joe Cowley, Stephen Sheridan and Mark Carey all supremly talented players. The midfield battle promises to be a key area with the availability of Corrigan sure to be a massive boost for Wolfe Tones. Damien Sheridan will have a key instruction to negate Corrigan's influence and if that can be done then Seneschalstown will have a serious chance. Both sides play contrasting styles of football. Wolfe Tones tend to be more measured in their attacking approach, while Seneschalstown play a more direct style. Both styles have their merits, but Seneschalstown's might be the wisder option. With so many tough games under their belts in recent weeks it is difficult to expect Wolfe Tones to maintain their high-intensity football for the full hour, so if Seneschalstown can stay in tough for three quarters of the contest then they will have a serious chance. However, a moment of brilliance or an unfortunate mistake is more likely to decide the issue and if Wolfe Tones tire then it could be Seneschalstown who might capitalise to produce what many will consider as a shock.