Boden set to hit ground running

Hogan's Heroes would dearly love to have the dashing duo on board the Star Ship Enterprise as it sets off towards a final frontier where no team has gone before. Boden are hoping to fly the six-in-a-row banner on the top of Everest.

Their first championship title came against St Vincent's under the Donnycarney lights in 2007.

The team has matured so much since that nervy first half. And Liam Hogan has kept the boots firmly on the ground.

Boden and Vincent's also met in the 2010 final. But last year, Vins lost to Brigid's in the quarter-final. Diarmuid Connolly hit 2-3 in that game.

The re-structured championship saw 'Boden play just three matches to secure the coveted five-in-a-row.

The Firhouse men beat Ballinteer and Lucan before accounting for O'Toole's in the final, 3-12 to 0-9. It was a sharp piece of business, but in the previous season's round-robin format, Liam Hogan wasn't happy with the 'Boden tempo. He'll ask them to hit the turf sprinting against Vins.

It's the most demanding group of the lot. It has the look of Croatia, Spain and Italy about it.

It's a tall order for the Marino men. Ruairí Trainor, Cian McBride and Tomás Connolly are celebrated names in Páirc Naomh Uinsionn.

Boden make up the majority of the Dublin squad. That shows their calibre. From All-Star, Gary Maguire, to the elastic wrists of Niall McMorrow and Paul Ryan, the champions contain so much pedigree.

And they wrap it all up with a sound temperament.

Even last October in Parnell Park, there was no 'Boden high-fiving. And, as the big expedition begins, they'd be the last gents to show off their six-packs.

VERDICT: Ballyboden St Enda's