Ballyboden make it a historic double
Dublin SHC Final: Ballyboden St. Enda’s 1-16 Craobh Chiarain 0-12
Ballyboden St. Enda’s retained their Dublin SHC title at Parnell Park this afternoon, completing a prized county senior championship double for the Firhouse Road club.
Today’s hard-fought 1-16 to 0-12 victory confirmed Ballyboden as the first club to win a three in-a-row of senior hurling crowns since O’Toole’s did so between 1995 and 1997.
In addition, they are the first club to secure a senior football and hurling championship double in the capital since St. Vincent’s in 1981.
Captained by Wexford’s Malachy Travers, ‘Boden were only 0-9 to 0-7 ahead at half-time having had a strong wind behind them.
But a scrappy goal from the consistently good Paul Ryan and some expert point-taking from dual star Conal Keaney and David Curtin strengthened the lead for Liam Hogan’s men.
With Travers, Darragh Spain and Tim Sweeney sweeping up well in the half-backs, Craobh’s route to goal was becoming increasingly difficult and Alan McCrabbe, Dublin’s first All-Star in 19 years, reeled away in agony when missing a late penalty.
On the whole, Ballyboden’s defence coped well with the threat of McCrabbe, David Keane and the pacy Francis Usanga.
Last winners in 2006, Craobh also had full-forward Jonathan McGuirk sent off after a scuffle as Dave Kelly’s side had to bow to the better team on the day.
Ballyboden’s Ryan ended the game with a stunning total of 1-11 from frees and play.
