Boden class to shine through

HOGAN'S charges have what it takes to dazzle under lights and squeeze past familiar foes from Lucan

EVENING HERALD DUBLIN SHC ‘A’ SEMI-FINAL Ballyboden St Enda’s v Lucan Sarsfields (Parnell Park, Tonight, 8.15)

WHEN the semi-final draw was made, the piano player struck up at the 12th Lock.

The tune was no surprise. ‘It Had To Be You’. That has to be the Sars song that is stuck on repeat.

When it comes to the business end of the Dublin SHC, Boden and Lucan always seem to be put together at the dinner table.

Play it again, Sam. So far, Boden have won all their big knock-out meetings. And now they’ll take to the Donnycarney dance floor again.

Lucan know what it’s all about at this stage. They have been very close to beating Boden. And now they have a little more experience in the satchel.

Boden also have the burden of the five-in-a-row aim resting on their shoulders, but it’s a weight they carry lightly.

They were comprehensive winners over Ballinteer. Stephen Nolan was majestic at centre half-back. Malachy Travers is one of those players that gives you everything. His shirt is always drenched in sweat.

Gary Maguire has been an All Star ’keeper for several years, and Darragh Spain is the prince of full-backs.

In attack, Emmet Carroll is still hurling in the boardroom. He scored a couple of points against St John’s.

Paul Ryan is a gifted hurler. From the tee and from the fairway, he has few equals. Jimmy Doody can also poach a score or two.

Conor McCormack will inject pace and guile, while Shane Durkin and David Curtin formed a worthy midfield platform against Ballinteer.

Lucan have aces in Darragh Brennan and Kevin O’Reilly. Kevin has long been one of the most talented hurlers in the city. Injuries have been an unwelcome caller.

Peter Kelly had had a year to remember. One of Dalo’s Dazzling Dublin Disciples.

Young Matthew McCaffrey also knew the scent of Croke Park this summer. He did well against Faughs.

His brother Johnny (pictured), has long been a Lucan Lord, and Mick May and Robert Lambert will also be in the mix.

Boden will miss their celebrated duo, Stephen Hiney and Conal Keaney but May is also an injury concern for Lucan.

But the ’Boden brethren never pause in the orchard of excuses. The bossman, Liam Hogan, doesn’t like the lights. But if Boden can take another step towards the sunshine, he’ll forgive all. It could be a game to remember. Lucan will be hoping that it won’t be another one to forget.