By Shaun Casey

SHOULD an All-Ireland final be played in Carrick-on-Shannon? That’s the big debate leading into this one.

It would be hard to find someone who thinks the Leitrim venue is an appropriate setting, but the team that comes out on top will have little to quip about.

It’s a chance for All-Ireland glory and come 5pm on Saturday afternoon, all the question marks will fly out the window.

Kildare are bidding for a second All-Ireland crown at this grade, having won the inaugural competition back in 2018.

Five years ago, Kildare defeated Mayo to win the first ever u-20 competition, having last won the u-21 All-Ireland in 1965.

The likes of Jimmy Hyland, Aaron Masterson and Paddy Woodgate graduated from that team and are now part of Glenn Ryan’s rising side that are out to put a dent in Dublin’s provincial dominance. Like the senior team, the Kildare u-20s have a star-studded management in place, led by former player Brian Flanagan along with Emmet Bolton and Mark Scanlon.

Tyrone’s display against Kerry last weekend hit the headlines for the drama and skill that was on show, while Kildare quietly strolled to the showpiece.

They saw off Sligo with a workmanlike display and had the comfort of watching the Red Hands overcome the Kingdom having qualified 24 hours beforehand.

But Kildare can entertain as well. Their Leinster final clash with Dublin was top quality and the Lilywhites displayed serious character to come through with a two-point win.

Under pressure and just one ahead, Shane Farrell, the Man of the Match, produced a moment of magic to set up the winning score.

He showed confidence and great leadership ability to make a superb catch when the heat was on. Farrell isn’t the only top-quality player in Flanagan’s ranks.

Dean O’Donoghue is a no-nonsense full-back and his match up with Michael McGleenan could be worth the admission fee alone.

The forward line is full of talent, but they weren’t firing properly in that semi-final and in the first half alone, Kildare converted eight of their 23 scoring chances.

Captain Alan Browne is a real sharpshooter up top, and he’s helped by the likes of Adam Fanning.

Kildare’s defensive structure and solidarity displayed the last day out will be needed to keep McGleenan, Ciaran Bogue and Ruairi Canavan at bay.

But they’ll need to bring their shooting boots with them this time if they want to grasp the All-Ireland crown.