SIX players from the Dublin champions, Ballyboden St Enda's, have made the Dubs Stars first xv.

It rounds off a most successful season for the brilliant Boden boys, who collected their first SFC title since 1995.

Boden had to take the high road to achieve it. A three-game semi-final tussle with Kilmacud Crokes used up Dessie's Energiser.

They had only come down from that particular Everest when they had to lace the boots again for the county final.

Boden overcame St Jude's to take gold. The lads had gone the extra mile and more for manager Liam O'Dwyer.

All season, Ian Clarke was immense at full-back. He was so assured under the high ball.

Darragh Nelson also excelled in defence. And after working hard to win possession he wasn't in the mood to waste it.

Young Michael MacAuley was outstanding all year. He brought such zest and energy to the boiler house.

As ever, Conal Keaney was a central character in Boden's book. And he showed time and again the value of the simple pass to a better-placed colleague. Those passes opened up avenues and alleyways all over the house.

Often running on to those deliveries was Kenny Naughton. He brought so much dash to the side, especially on the biggest days. Speed, power, industry and accuracy are marked very clearly on his CV.

Corner-forward, Andrew Kerin, had the game of his life in the county final. One of those days when the ball was a puppet on his boot. He's always been a sharp, incisive attacker.

Andrew did well to hit the jackpot against the Jude's defence, one of the best in the business.

Niall O'Shea was showing the form that had him in the Dublin jersey. Lording matters on the half-back line. He was so consistent in the campaign.

Behind him was Chris Guckian, a tight marker and neat distributor. As Jude's reached their first county final, it was the conviction of fellas like Guckian that got them there.

Renaissance

At midfield, Andy Glover's drive kept them going even when Plan A had been torn up. The Jude's comeback against Plunkett's in the quarter-final, having been 10 points down, was a highlight of the championship. Andy was a principal figure in the renaissance.

Jude's have four on the team. Kevin McManamon had so many tremendous games at left corner-forward. Strong, pacey and a polished finisher. It wasn't easy containing him.

The tournament was also enhanced by the presence of the All-Ireland champions, Kilmacud Crokes, just like St Vincent's the year before.

Crokes became the marathon men. It took three games, plus four periods of extra-time, to finally empty the tank.

Goalkeeper, David Nestor, provides a confident presence. He's calm under pressure and, like all good keepers, he does the basics well.

Good goalkeeping is all about the nuts and bolts.

Adrian Morrissey is the second Kilmacud man to make the cut. He injected energy to the Crokes cause. He showed admirable vision and he's always supporting the play. Completing the fab XV are one apiece from St Oliver Plunkett's/ER, St Mary's (Saggart) and Ballymun Kickhams.

Philip McMahon has emerged as an excellent defender. He does his job well at the back and can also provide a dash of adventure.

Michael Brides brought a cluster of Cavan crystal to the Navan Road. It's never an easy hour for any forward who has Michael on the shoulder.

St Mary's reached the last four. Blaine Kelly hit some quality scores. He's been doing that for a while now.

There's two Boden boys on the bench -- competent goalie, Daire Walsh, and the captain himself, Declan O'Mahony, who was in impressive form.

Jude's have Seán Breheny among the subs. He's a cultured defender, as is the Dubs skipper, Paul Griffin.

Seán Murray prospered for St Brigid's. He has a commendable temperament. The future is filled with promise.

Mr 100 per cent, David Henry, is a Raheny legend. Henry's shirt always confirms the non-stop effort that he puts in for his club.

And the strength of the bench is underlined by Bernard Brogan, one of the classiest finishers in the game.

- Niall Scully