The favourites' weaknesses were open for public viewing during the first half of the semifinal. The Galway champions won't have missed the vigour with which Toomevara hammered away at James Connolly between the posts, with some success, or failed to note the ease with which Eoin Brislane swept through, untouched and unhindered, for his goal. For all their numerous virtues, Ballyhale cannot by any stretch of the imagination be described as a hardy team. It'll be amazing if Loughrea don't live up to that particular tag.

In dismal conditions in Mullingar they took a long time to dispose of Cushendall and looked overdependent on their centre-forward Johnny Maher (right) for points besides.

Similar conditions next weekend will be more to their advantage than to their opponents';

whatever about their lack of creativity up front, Loughrea will not be outbattled. Their injuries, moreover, should at least have the salutary effect of concentrating their minds, as Toomevara's injuries did theirs.

In the absence of Nigel Shaughnessy, Gregory Kennedy will probably be the man to mark Henry Shefflin. Recalling the duo's previous from the 2001 All Ireland semi-final, that'll be an, um, interesting sideshow.

Loughrea will need goals. They may or may not get them.

Shamrocks will survive on points alone. Provided they haven't fallen into the trap of assuming that the hard work was done against Toomevara, they'll get enough of them.

Verdict Ballyhale Shamrocks

Enda McEvoy