THERE'S an All Star in the house. The Dublin hurling family is more than delighted.

'McCrabber' will be lacing up the boots in Parnell Park tomorrow. It's Craobh Chiaráin against Lucan Sarsfields in the semi-final of the Evening Herald Dublin Senior Hurling Championship (4.30).

There's a big banner saluting Alan's achievement draped across the front of the Chiaráin's clubhouse. Lucan have joined in the good wishes but you can take it for granted that the 'gloves will be off' come throw-in time -- and that's what the championship is all about.

"It's great for Dublin hurling. It was nice to see and it's another notch on the belt," noted Sarsfields mentor Kevin Brennan.

notch

McCrabbe will be central to Craobh's plans on reaching their first final since 2006, the last occasion they lifted the claret jug. That afternoon against Ballyboden St Enda's all seemed lost but, as is their trait, the Craobh climbed back off the canvas and claimed victory.

Chiaráin's won by two points. McCrabbe was their leading scorer on 1-6. The vast majority of the 2006 personnel will again be in action tomorrow.

"They are a marvellous team," adds Kevin. "They are so hard to beat. They just work so hard.

"Alan McCrabbe is their All Star but they have a few more top hurlers, and we know it's going to be a tough ask for us.

"But at least we didn't draw Ballyboden again. That was some advantage," smiled Kevin.

For the past two years, Lucan lost to Boden in the semi-final. Reaching their first final would underline all the work that has been going on out at the 12th Lock.

They recovered well from their opening day defeat to O'Toole's and they were in sharp form against Kilmacud Crokes in the quarter-final, especially in the second half when they really underlined their authority on the game.

Crokes were in the final last year. They were tipped to go close again, but Lucan beat them by 10 points. Tommy Somers again topped the charts. Kevin O'Reilly made a solid impression after coming on as a sub and Pádraig O'Driscoll excelled in defence. Dublin's Johnny McCaffrey is a grafter in the Craobh mould, and if they can get a decent supply Lucan have some nimble forwards.

The Chiaráin's defence didn't give Vincent's a sausage the last day. Davy Kelly couldn't have asked for anymore from his team.

Talent is never enough in Donnycarney. The batteries must be included in the package.

Derek O'Reilly is the master craftsman. He sees things quickly and he keeps it simple. There's a lovely elegance about him and with Eugene Farrell, Gary and Darren Kelly all in good form Craobh will take beating.

The Craobh back door is never short of sand bags. It's not easy for any forward to get a clear sight of Stephen Chester's kitchen.

Chiaráin's have good experience in attack. There's a dash of pace there too in the feet of Peter O'Boyle and Kevin Warren.

O'Boyle got a brilliant goal against Vincent's. He raced away from the traffic down the left towards the scoreboard end and drilled to the far side of the net. The presence of Francis Usanga also injects speed and skill to the Craobh effort. He's a talented young actor; he also has star quality with the hurl in the hand.

The zest of the Chiaráin's effort is so often summed up by another legendary Dublin hurling warrior, Jonny McGuirk -- still chiselling away at the concrete.

"We were happy with our display against Crokes and hopefully we can produce another good one now," states Kevin Brennan.

"We are all raring to go. It should be a good game and let's hope the weather is favourable."

There's one sure forecast: whoever wins will have deserved it.

The second semi sees holders Ballyboden face O'Toole's on Sunday (3.30) at Parnell Park.

- Niall Scully