This year's All-Star hurling team included a Dublin player for the first time since 1990 as midfielder Alan McCrabbe deservedly picked up the accolade following an outstanding year, which saw him included in a side with such legendary names as Tommy Walsh, Henry Shefflin and Joe Canning. The Craobh Chiarain clubman could be forgiven for resting on his laurels as he helped the Dubs to the Leinster final for the first time since the early nineties and earned an All Star in the process, but that is certainly not the case for this young man as he is determined to lead Dublin to the holy grail. Alan spoke to Hogan Stand about his desire for more success, while he revealed how the influence of manager Anthony Daly has helped bring the Dubs to a new level in hurling. For far too long, there have only been three real contenders for the Leinster senior hurling championship as Kilkenny, Offaly and Wexford have dominated the provincial campaign for the past few decades. That was all due to change this year as Galway and Antrim entered the campaign for the first time and so it proved as we had a new side in the Leinster final, although it was neither of the counties mentioned. For Dublin emerged as the next 'big thing' in the province and pushed Kilkenny all the way in the decider. This was by no means a fluke and anyone that feels that the Dubs were one hit wonders this year should think back to the under-21 championship when the Dubs made it all the way to the All-Ireland final. Leinster glory was obtained that year and 12 of that side including Alan are now on the senior panel. "The work is certainly been done in the county over the last few years, especially with the underage, and I think that has laid the foundations for how far we have come this year," said Alan. For the past two years, Dublin have lost out to Wexford narrowly in the Leinster championship and with the old adage of ifs and buts resounding around the capital's GAA clubs, many wondered were the squad good enough to make an impression in the championship. This year saw Antrim put to the sword before yet another meeting against Wexford and this time the Dubs were able to put wrong to right as they booked their place in the Leinster final. "It was a massive boost to beat Wexford, especially after what had happened in previous years, but we always knew that we were good enough to beat them and felt that we just needed a bit of luck on our side. Fortunately, we got the breaks this year and that really set us up for the final." And so on to the provincial decider where the Dubs would face defending Leinster and All-Ireland champions Kilkenny in the final. Earlier in the year, the Cats were forced to dig deep to grind out a win against Dublin in the league at Nowlan Park and Alan admitted that they took great heart from that performance. "We probably should have beat them down there, we were leading right up until the last few minutes, but they showed their experience and they never panicked, picking off their scores at crucial times. "But, we felt going into the Leinster final that we had a great chance of beating them and we certainly weren't overawed by the occasion. I was a bit nervous before the game, but once it started I just took it as another game." Once again, Kilkenny came out on top, although they were given an almighty scare against Daly's charges whose tactics of running at the Cats' defence really paid dividends in the second half. "We learned a lot from the Leinster final and it was a great experience to be involved in. There is no question that we want to be back there again next year and go on and win it. Kilkenny have set the benchmark and every team will be eager to beat them, hopefully Dublin will be the side to do that." Alan was the Dubs top scorer throughout the campaign and his unerring accuracy from placed balls is something that he has worked on from a very early age indeed. "I've always taken the frees right from underage up and when I broke through to the senior club team, I was handed the responsibility of taking them. Since I've been with the county, I practice taking them two or three nights a week. Usually I'd hit 90 balls from different angles all over the pitch. It's certainly a skill that has to be practiced regularly." The quarter-final defeat to Limerick was a bitter pill to swallow for the Dubs as they went into the match as favourites and despite looking set to progress to the All-Ireland semi final, Limerick came with a late flourish to book their place in the last four. "Losing that game was tough, we never really got going that day and it was hard to take. We knew we could do better and that was probably the most disappointing aspect of it. Looking at the bigger picture, we want to go further and have success. That is what we are all in it for." Alan was delighted to hear the news that former footballer Shane Ryan was willing to throw in his lot with the hurlers next season and he is hoping that maybe another dual star will follow suit in the near future. "I think it's brilliant that Shane has come on board. His experience alone will be invaluable to the side. He knows what it takes at the top level and that is what we are aspiring too. "Conal Keaney has been mentioned too and it would be excellent if he decided to play with us. Conal is one of the best hurlers in the county and there is no doubt that he would be welcome on board. We need the best hurlers in the county with us and those two certainly fit the bill." Winning an all star was a massive achievement for the 23-year-old, but he is adamant that it is only the first step up the ladder of success and he's not ready to rest on his laurels just yet. "It was just amazing to win an All Star. I honestly believed that Michael Rice and Shane McGrath would take the honours as they both played in the final, but it was something else to be named. "Dublin had four players nominated and we won one, so next hopefully we will have six nominations and maybe two or three All Stars. I firmly believe this team can win something, if I didn't I wouldn't be doing it." Due to the current economic recession that has gripped the nation, Alan is one of the many hundreds of thousands currently out of work and is actively seeking employment. Tweet

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