Having defeated Ashbourne (18-27), Dundalk (6-8), Navan (14-11) and Portlaoise (18-23) on the way to this afternoon's final, Wicklow will have nothing to fear on the road having enjoyed only one game at home in Ashtown Lane.

This, coupled with the sensational form of their player coach and out-half Sean McCarthy amongst others, means that the men from the Garden county will travel (again this year) with confidence.

Wicklow captain Noel Green was in defiant form earlier this week and believes that his side have surprised many with their attacking flair. "There's obviously a bit of nerves around the camp, but our preparation this week has been first class, " he said.

"We've very confident and excited and the sooner kick off comes, the better.

"The whole of Wicklow has gone bananas and we've received a lot of good wishes from the local community. It means an awful lot to all the players. Everyone is aware that the club has never got to a semi-final before, never mind a final, so Sunday is a milestone in itself."

His Tullamore counterpart, number eight Donal Milne, is typically bullish about his side's chances.

"We're happy and the squad are focused ahead of what is going to be a very tough game for us. We're taking nothing for granted. Wicklow have beaten us in our last two outings in the Leinster League (in 2004 and 2002) and I was involved in the game two years ago. So I know what to expect.

"They have a strong pack and they've won in extra time which shows that they're dogged. Having defeated Tullow in their area final recently their confidence will be high. There has been a lot of coverage and publicity in recent weeks, but we know that the hype will count for little if we don't win."

Much will depend on the form of out-half Gearoid O'Grady who has been putting in exquisite performances all season. But Tullamore are no 'one-man team'. Their replacements bench, which is due to be confirmed closer to kick off, includes two players - Paul Deering and Enda Molloy - who were both involved in the club's last Towns Cup final outing when they were defeated by Co. Carlow in 1994.

It is 30 years since the Spollenstown outfit last lifted the trophy when Mick Clavin, whose son David plays in the backrow today, was skipper.

Few will count against the Clavins father and son having a Towns Cup medal each come tea-time. Recent form would suggest that both teams are in rude health. But the Remax Towns Cup is an unusual beast. One need only look back to the final two years ago - when the unfavoured Arklow defeated Portlaoise - to prove that point. Wicklow will be keen to get their hands on the trophy in The Maws in what promises to be another passionate and intriguing encounter. It's too close to call, but Wicklow look primed to spring an upset.

REMAX TOWNS CUP TULLAMORE V WICKLOW North Kildare RFC (The Maws, Kilcock), 3.30