FAITHFUL

BALLYBODEN ST ENDA'S v LUCAN SARSFIELDS (Parnell Park, Tonight, 8.15)

EARLY in the second half of Boden's victory over the Vinnies at Parnell Park last week, there was a rustle in the seats. People strained for a view.

The great man was togging off. King Keaney was back on the guitar.

Even the hearts of his opponents, St Vincent's, began to lift. As Bruce Forsyth might say: 'Nice to see you, to see you, nice.'

Stephen Hiney was already out there on the stage. The 'Boden and Dublin faithful began to sleep a little easier at night.

Boden are on the scent of the historic six-in-a-row -- a feat never previously achieved in the Dublin SHC. But it will be their hurleys that will be doing all the talking.

Lucan Sarsfields know them well.

The clubs seem to have a permanent date in the championship every year. Out at the 12th Lock, you'd hear the old refrain: 'It had to be you.'

Lucan will be seeking to recover from their loss to Cuala. They'll look to Cronan Dooley, Tommy Somers, Johnny McCaffrey, Kevin O'Reilly and Peter Kelly to find the way home.

Gary Maguire doesn't open the door to anybody, unless it's a Vodafone representative with an All-Star award.

Paul Ryan was the chief cashier against Vins, while 'Electric' Emmet Carroll is still flashing over the points from all angles -- few know the geometry of Parnell as well as 'Flash'.

Boden have calibre on every floor. The Sweeneys at the back of the house, with quality like Stephen Nolan, Dean Curran and Malachy Travers. The determination of Travers runs as deep as the Slaney. They'll be hard stopped.

SO FAR -- Ballyboden St Enda's: Beat St Vincent's, 0-15 to 0-10. Lucan Sarsfields: Lost to Cuala, 1-18 to 1-9.

VERDICT: Ballyboden St Enda's