With all the talk of doubles and trebles, Boden have now entered the world of Paddy Power, or even Phil 'The Power' Taylor. Everything they have thrown in the last couple of months has stuck to the dartboard.

It was almost a case of two non-runners at Parnell Park yesterday. Another man-of-the-match performance from groundsman Noel Brady ensured the game survived the lunchtime inspection.

The pale moon was rising by the time Liam Hogan emerged from the pavilion. He was eating a banana. Just the petrol to keep these remarkable Boden boys rocking.

"We made hard work of it," admitted Liam. "Craobh Chiaráin pushed us all the way. It was a bit more comfortable on the score-board than it was on the pitch.

"They missed a couple of chances that would have put us on the back-foot. We were just glad to have got out with the win and to be heading back to the Firhouse Road with the cup.

MASSIVE

"There were a couple of turning points in the game. Darragh Spain's massive point and Paul Ryan's goal, coupled with the chances Craobh missed. They are the little things that turn games."

Spain's monster point into the Church end came midway through the second half. It nudged the champions three points ahead. Conal Keaney created it. With three players on his collar, he slipped a clever, simple ball back to Spain in space.

And Conal, the man who has to eat more bananas than most, stated: "Craobh gave us a big test. We were expecting that. Conditions were difficult. We just had that bit more in the tank.

"It's great for the club to do the double. There's not too many teams around who have done the three in a row. It's a great achievement. The three in a row is something you look back on when you are finished your career. You'd be saying 'wasn't that great', but for the moment we are a long way away from looking at it like that."

For Conal the log fire and the carpet slippers can wait for Christmas Day. "So many times over the years I have been watching the Leinster Club Championships on the television wishing you were there. Now we are in both, so you can't ask for anything better than that.

"People talk about lads being tired. But there will be plenty of time to rest and recover when all of this is over. It's back to training this Tuesday and Thursday, and it's great to be still involved."

It was a repeat of the 2006 final. Craobh had two points to spare on that occasion. Three years on, Boden found it hard to overcome Craobh's stickability.

"We were doing well enough in the first half," commented Chiaráin's manager Davy Kelly, who was also in charge in 2006. "We came very close to scoring a goal and that would have been a huge lift against the breeze.

"But sometimes it just doesn't go your way. The lads gave their all and you couldn't fault them. They have been tremendous players over the years and they'll be back to fight another day. There's no two ways about it."

Behind Davy, the sound of 'championees, championees' was breaking out from the Boden dressing room. Their skipper, Malachy Travers, was holding on tight to the Cup.

"We were hoping to win the toss and play against the breeze because we knew the game would take a while to settle," revealed Malachy.

"But we lost the toss, and playing with the wind we then had to make a fast start. But we were struggling a bit and we just couldn't get away from Craobh.

"We were only two points up at half-time. We said we'd have to ground it out. We fought well in the second half and we showed our experience. We didn't panic. It was a mature display from us in the end."

Winter's first Sunday wasn't made for hurling. But the afternoon cheered up and, to the annoyance of those sitting in the main stand, the sun came out.

The crowd was decent enough. A better day would have brought more. The stadium was deserted by the time Liam Hogan left the building. He did so with a glowing tribute from Conal Keaney: "We hold Liam in such high regard. He is one of the best managers I have ever had.

DECISIONS

"He's superb at making decisions. I feel he has a very long road ahead of him," added Conal.

The future also looks good for Paul Ryan, who left with 1-11 in the back pocket. "He showed the quality hurler he is," said Keaney.

"It was tough going against that breeze in the second half, but Paul really stood up to be counted."

It was a view echoed by the boss man: "Not bad shooting for a young lad, especially considering the pressure of the three in a row and all of that.

"He's a superb talent, and there's a lot more to come from Paul in the years to come," predicted Liam.

Ryan and the All Star McCrabber were hitting the double top all day. Smiley O'Reilly enjoyed some graceful moments.

Craobh made a real match of it. They always do. And they hid their disappointment to hang around in the cold to wait for the trophy presentation.

And, like all in the capital, the Craobh extended their best wishes to Boden as they prepare to board the 'Leinster Express'.

- Niall Scully