Dublin boss Dessie Farrell hopes for Byrne’s return as he warns ahead of Kildare final Test

Dublin looked back on their best stages yesterday after a 13-point gallop against Meath in the Leinster semifinals at Croke Park.

The Dubs led by 15 points at the break and later increased that lead to 17 before finishing 1-27 to 1-14.

Dublin manager Dessie Farrell acknowledged his side are in a better position than they were this time last year, but added that such a position could be “fickle”. Dublin now play Kildare in Saturday week’s Leinster final and Farrell sees “major relevance” to that game given their defeat at Newbridge during the league.

“There’s a lot of momentum behind Kildare football at the moment. The backroom team there are icons in the county.

“I think the players play with a lot of passion and pride in their jersey. It’s a proud county. Kildare definitely has something going for it this year. We’ve played them in the league and they probably beat us quite comfortably in Newbridge so that’s definitely a sign for us.”

Farrell said he is “optimistic” defenseman Davy Byrne can still play a role in this year’s Championship as he recovers from a knee injury that left him out of the last two Championship matchday squads.

Previously, Kildare never looked like he would lose his semi-final against a struggling Westmeath side, although he lacked the conviction of a team with serious claims to overthrowing Dublin. They eventually ran out 1-21 to 2-15 winners.