A storm is brewing ahead of Sunday’s Antrim Senior Hurling Championship Final — and not just between defending champions Cushendall and Dunloy (2pm throw-in).
Weather forecasts for Ballycastle do not make pleasant reading and this Final could well come down to which team adapts better to the predicted heavy rain and stormy winds. But adapt they must as these rivals head into Sunday’s decider with their own point to prove.
They last met in the Final two years ago when Dunloy were riding the crest of a wave, but had to dig deep to claim a fourth-straight title as they finished well with a Chrissy McMahon goal sealing the win.
McMahon could get the nod to start as it has been confirmed Conal Cunning will spend a lengthy spell on the sidelines having suffered a cruciate injury in Dunloy’s Semi-Final win over Loughgiel.
His loss will be keenly felt, just as it was when the Cuchullains travelled to Cushendall earlier in the competition when top spot in Group Two was up for grabs.
They left with much work to do having been well beaten by a Ruairi Og side that made something of a statement, running out 1-24 to 0-19 winners to swerve the Quarter-Final stage.
Heading into this year’s competition, many had installed the Ruairis as favourites to retain their crown and certainly they have lived up to that status, showing a bit of everything to get back to the Final.
They had to display all their grit to come through against St John’s after extra-time in the Semi-Final — another day blighted with heavy wind — but once again the resilience and never-say-die characteristics that have defined Cushendall hurling over the years came to the fore.
Chrissy McMahon will be striving to inspire Dunloy
Neil McManus, making his first start of the Championship, put in a superb display as he finished with 0-14 to his team’s 1-27 tally — five of those scores coming from play — but his overall contribution was also crucial as he was back in defence on occasion to put in the challenges.
Ryan McCambridge put in a huge shift, while Eoghan Campbell and Paddy Burke produced big performances when needed.
They had to come through without Scott Walsh who they will hope is fit to play this week, similarly Martin Burke, while in attack, Joseph McLaughlin has proven to be a huge asset this year even though he was kept uncharacteristically quiet in the Semi-Final.
After negotiating a Quarter-Final against Ballycastle, Dunloy turned the tables on Loughgiel in the other Semi-Final having seen their ‘drive for five’ bid ended by the Shamrocks at the same stage the previous year and did so in horrible conditions with driving rain and wind.
Their slick, short passing style proved valuable in the wind and rain as their key players shone with Kevin Molloy a rock at centre-back and Ryan McGarry likewise at full-back, while Keelan Molloy and Seaan Elliott continued to impress.
That short passing style could well be crucial on Sunday with those horrible conditions forecast, while Cushendall’s running game could well be a factor, yet their physical strength could also be key on a heavy sod.
This could well prove to be a day for defenders, coming down to which of the pair can seize whatever opportunities present themselves on what looks like it will be a day for rolling up the sleeves rather than playing expansive hurling.