Hurling Nation: Dublin getting closer while Clare need main men to fire

The madness in Nowlan Park last week as Offaly won the U20 title was a joy. Tomorrow, the Faithful County push onwards when they play Laois in their second successive Joe McDonagh Cup final.

The progress in Laois has been quiet but impressive. Willie Maher has managed what few others have. He has all in there pulling together.

Laois have beaten Offaly twice this year, in the Walsh Cup and in the first round of the Joe McDonagh. Both sides deserve to progress. We'll narrowly give our vote to the O'Moore County.

The Leinster final next, where Kilkenny are looking for five in a row, and Dublin are hoping to sustain this summer's progress.

Can Dublin win? If big events decide games, Dublin have got better at the biggest of events – goals.

In the 2022 Leinster Championship, Dublin scored zero goals in their games against Wexford, Galway and Kilkenny. Last summer, they scraped a goal against Wexford and two against Galway.

This year, they've scored two goals in each game against the big teams in Leinster. The goals are coming at good times too.

Brian Hayes has brought speed to midfield. His partnership with Conor Burke is the most effective Dublin have had for a long while. Chris Crummey's return gives experience and scoring potential to the half-back line.

Up front, Donal Burke has class and Danny Sutcliffe's career is seeing a late revival. His aerial play has been exceptional.

For the Cats, five Leinsters isn't a landmark achievement. But losing to Dublin weeks after drawing with Carlow could be a landmark disaster.

Dublin have to shackle Eoin Cody without leaving another forward free to do the damage. And they need to hold their nerve if they nose ahead, as they didn't do in their Parnell Park meeting a few weeks back.

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