Laois, however, have looked to blow hot and cold this summer - witness their opening Leinster tie and how Offaly were in the driving seat for so long, only to falter at the death.

Dublin too, were not that impressive in seeing off Wexford by four points last month. They needed a second half goal by substitute Jason Sherlock, the hero of their last All-Ireland win a decade ago, to inspire them to victory.

Still, in a province without a Sam Maguire Cup since Meath's success in 1999, perhaps both counties were leaving something in reserve for today's fare? The watching hordes - expected to be in the region of 82,000 - the Leinster Council and the GAA would want to hope so.

Last weekend's provincial finals, in Connacht, Munster and Ulster, were relatively mild affairs, built up by climatic finishes, and with a four-week lay-off from the Leinster semis, a big performance from today's Delaney Cup winners could set down an ideal marker on the road to September.

Laois, bidding for their seventh Leinster crown and second in three years, are unchanged, while Dublin have opted for Na Fianna sharpshooter Sherlock, in ahead of youngster Mark Vaughan, at corner forward.

The quick recovery of corner back Stephen O'Shaughnessy from a dislocated shoulder, as well as the hopeful return to form of Paddy Christie, might just see the Dubs shackle what has been a vibrant Laois attack so far in 2005.

Ross Munnelly, Barry Brennan and Chris Conway were all given too much lattitude by the Lilywhites last time out - with the trio converting 0-16 between them. Add into the mix, former minor prodigy Brian 'Beano' McDonald, who is on the way back from a leg break, and the midlanders look extra special up front.

Laois' Noel Garvan and Padraig Clancy are also one of the most consistent midfield partnerships around at inter-county level. History could see them falter at the final hurdle, however.

Dublin have prevailed in all three of their previous Leinster final clashes with Laois, and also been on the winning end in three of their last five provincial meetings with the O'Moore county.

2003's two-point final win was Laois' first championship win over the Dubs since 1981. That poor record, coupled with an accurate afternoon's work from Dublin free-taker Tomas Quinn, could see Micko's men undone in a Leinster final for the second successive year.

LAOIS: F Byron; A Fennelly, D Rooney, J Higgins; C Begley, T Kelly, P McMahon; N Garvan, P Clancy; R Munnelly, B Brennan, B Sheehan; C Conway, K Fitzpatrick, McDonald.

DUBLIN: S Cluxton; P Griffin, P Christie, S O'Shaughnessy; P Casey, B Cahill, C Goggins; C Whelan, S Ryan; C Moran, A Brogan, B Cullen; J Sherlock, C Keaney, T Quinn.

Referee: Joe McQuillan (Cavan)