Not since the first World War has there been as much fuss about a Christmas football match. However, this year's Leinster club football championship has produced an extraordinary sequence of results throughout the winter, so much so that yesterday's drawn final might have been expected.

So Dublin side Na Fianna and Wicklow champions Rathnew will take another tilt at provincial honours on December 23rd, a day when all sensible souls will be dozing in front of the fire, watching 'It's a Wonderful Life'.

It was not the most exhilarating of games in Newbridge, an uninspiring 0-9 to 1-6 draw on the iciest of afternoons. Dessie Farrell provided the biggest splash of colour, firing a super goal in the first half and getting himself dismissed shortly after the interval.

Farrell's sin was to raise an elbow during a needless skirmish with Rathnew's Barry Mernagh and although there was no malicious intention, there was definite contact and so he walked. He will watch from the stands next week and, according to the new rules, should be available by the end of January.

"Everyone knows what Dessie means to us, it's no secret. But it's about big hearts at this time of year," insisted Na Fianna manager Mick Galvin.

Which is what makes next weekends' matinee such a compelling prospect. Na Fianna have somehow got themselves into a journey of Three Wise Men proportions while Rathnew return to the village seething at having let their illustrious opponents off the hook.

The Leinster hurling final replay was much more predictable. Birr, the longtime masters of this competition lorded it over the feisty Castletown side, winning 2-10 to 0-5.