Wicklow win an early turnover and patiently work the ball into the Mourne men's final third.

But another overcarrying offence hands possession straight back to Down as both sides look to settle into the contest.

Lee Keegan
Former Mayo player on RTE

I would not be writing Wicklow off at all today. I give them every chance.

Meath referee David Coldrick throws the ball in and the fifth edition of the Tailteann Cup final is under way in a sunny Croke Park.

Image source, Inpho

Brian Fenton
Former Dublin player on RTE

It is Down's to lose today. They are in good form and are the Division Two side.

If Down show up and play to their potential, it is their trophy for the taking.

David Mohan
BBC Sport NI at Croke Park

The big game today is of course the All-Ireland semi-final between Louth and Mayo, but don't tell that to the fans of Down and Wicklow who are here in their numbers for the Tailteann Cup final.

It's a big opportunity for silverware for both, but also the guarantee of a place in next year's All-Ireland SFC is just as important.

It may not be a derby in the traditional sense, but when it's considered Armagh's Oisin McConville manages Wicklow and goes in against old rivals Down, it provides a nice sub-plot.

It's a very warm and sunny day in Dublin, so those conditions may also play a part down the stretch.

Peter Canavan
Former Tyrone captain on RTE Sport

Even though it is a sunny day, the wind will play a huge part.

Also, with two teams with players who like to score from range.

Conor Laverty hopes Down can end a rollercoaster season with silverware as they prepare to face Wicklow in Saturday's Tailteann Cup final (15:30 BST).

The Mourne County sent shockwaves through the championship when they stunned Donegal in the Ulster quarter-finals, but joy turned to bitter disappointment with a crushing 28-point loss to Armagh in the last four.

But having narrowly missed out on a place in the All-Ireland series, Laverty's side have navigated their way to a third Tailteann Cup decider in four seasons.

"The main prize with the Tailteann is the ticket into Sam Maguire football next year and that's something this team would love to get," said Laverty, who led Down to Tailteann Cup success in 2024.

"After the Donegal result, we went from the highest of highs to the lowest of lows, but that's the way of the competition and the rules that were set out at the start of the year.

"As a group, we set ourselves standards and it'll be no different on Saturday afternoon."

Image source, Getty Images

Faith Harper
BBC Sport NI at Croke Park

Not to be that person complaining about the weather but it’s extremely warm here in Croke Park. It’s going to be really tough out there for those players.

Currently, my phone is saying 24 degrees but I’m not buying it, feels a lot warmer pitch side.

Image source, Getty Images

Down make two late changes today with Patrick McCarthy replacing Patrick Brooks at corner back, while Ruairi McCormack is in for Ryan Magill at wing-back.

In a further change from the side that edged past Fermanagh, John McGeough replaces Adam Crimmins in attack, while Liam Kerr is a late addition to the Down bench as Tom McCarroll drops out of the 26-man match-day panel.

Wicklow, meanwhile, are unchanged after their impressive five-point win over Offaly, as Oisín McConville keeps faith with the side that reached the county's first Tailteann Cup final.

Down: Ronan Burns; Peter Fegan, Pierce Laverty, Patrick Brooks; Callum Rogers, Shane Annett, Ruairi McCormack; Ryan McEvoy, Odhran Murdock; Daniel Guinness, Ceilum Doherty, Miceal Rooney; John McGeough, Pat Havern, Eamon Brown.

Subs: John O'Hare, Finn McElroy, Caolan Mooney, Liam Kerr, Patrick Brooks, Ryan Magill, Ross Carr, Ruairi O'Hare, Tom Close, Órán Cunningham, Barry O'Hagan.

Wicklow: Mark Jackson; Tom Moran, Matt Nolan, Malachy Stone; Darragh Fee, Eoin Murtagh, Gavin Fogarty; Dean Healy, Jack Kirwan; Jonathan Carlin, Padraig O'Toole, Christopher O'Brien; Oisín McGraynor, Kevin Quinn, Eoin Darcy.

Subs: Cathal Fitzgerald, Mark Kenny, Cian Deering, Joe Prendergast, Liam O'Neill, John Paul Nolan, Conall Ó Gallchobhair, Jacques McCall, Conor Fee, Sean Murphy, Cathal Baker.

Image source, BBC Sport

Before attention turns to this evening's All-Ireland semi-final, there's silverware and a place in the 2027 All-Ireland Senior Football Championship on the line at Croke Park.

Down have made their third Tailteann Cup final in four years and are chasing a second title after their 2024 triumph.

If they are the victors this afternoon, they would become the first county to win the competition twice.

As for Wicklow, it's a landmark afternoon. The Garden County are contesting in their first Tailteann Cup final and are aiming to become the fifth winners since the competition was introduced in 2022.

Victory would not only secure the trophy but also guarantee a place in next year's All-Ireland Senior Football Championship.

Dan Turnbull tells BBC Sport NI of his "surreal" experience as the only Irish person playing for Lille GAA and the growth of gaelic football in France.

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Catch-up on the GAA Social as they look ahead to the All-Ireland semi-finals this weekend.

Hello and welcome to our live text commentary of today's Tailteann Cup final and All-Ireland SFC semi-final.

Down will face Wicklow in the Tailteann Cup showpiece before Louth and Mayo meet later this evening for a spot in the All-Ireland final.

You can watch the All-Ireland last four tie from Croke Park on BBC Two NI and on the BBC iPlayer with coverage starting at 17:40 BST.

We will also have live text commentary of both games with reports and reaction to follow, so you won't miss a thing!

Thanks for joining us. Enjoy both games!