They may have lived dangerously on occasions in last year’s Antrim Senior Hurling Championship Final before they squeezed past Loughgiel by a point (1-20 to 1-19) but Cushendall are hoping to chart a more impressive course in defending their title this year.
They will face into a battle against their north Antrim neighbours Dunloy at home on Saturday (6.00pm) conscious that their opponents are desperately keen to get their hands on the Volunteer Cup.
While Keelan Molloy, Seaan Elliott, Paul Shiels and Nigel Elliott can spark the Cuchullains’ challenge, Ruairi Og boast a solid tranche of overall physical strength and experience which could prove a key weapon in their bid to retain the title.
With Paddy Burke, Scott Walsh and Eoghan Campbell still proving defensive pillars and Christy McNaughton and Joe McLaughlin forming a twin threat up front, the reigning champions could fully test Dunloy’s resolve.
Also on Saturday, St John’s and O’Donovan Rossa will go head to head at Corrigan Park (6.00pm).
Donal Armstrong, Dominic McEnhill, Thomas Morgan and Aidan Orchin are helping to keep the Rossa fire burning while Shea Shannon, Conor Johnston, Conal Bohill and Aaron Bradley can help sustain St John’s bid to march on.
Tomorrow Loughgiel will be at home against Ballycastle (2.00pm) and will be particularly keen to take a big step towards making amends for their lapse in the Final last year.
Meanwhile, in the Down SHC, Bredagh and Liatroim will clash on Saturday at Cherryvale (5.00pm). On Sunday, Carryduff will host Ballycran (2.00pm) while reigning champions Portaferry could be tested to the full at home by Ballygalget (5.00pm).
Slaughtneil, meanwhile, still have their sights on yet another Derry hurling title. They will travel to face Lavey on Sunday (2.30pm) with Ruairi O Mianain, Cormac O’Doherty and Chrissy McKaigue in the vanguard of their bid to progress.
Kevin Lynch’s have had a few so near yet so far experiences in relation to the Derry title but if they overcome Eoghan Rua on Sunday it could be a big step up, while Swatragh might prove too strong when they host Na Magha (2.30pm). And the Ballinascreen v Banagher clash could be a lively battle at the former venue (2.30pm).