Slaughtneil will be in hot pursuit of their 12th Derry Senior Hurling Championship in succession when they meet Banagher in Sunday’s Final at Owenbeg (4.00pm).
With Cormac O’Doherty, Ruairi O Mianain, Jack Cassidy and Chrissy McKaigue in top form, Slaughtneil look more than capable of capturing yet another title, although Darragh Cartin, Brian Og McGilligan, Darragh McCluskey and Shane Farren are capable of leading Banagher’s resistance.
Banagher’s emergence has added a new element to the Championship, and given that they are particularly keen to lower Slaughtneil’s colours, the fact that they could offer a vibrant challenge might just lead to a more than interesting contest.
Daithi Sands will aim to inspire Portaferry to Down SHC glory when they face Ballygalget
Meanwhile, Portaferry and Ballygalget square up to each other on Sunday in the Down SHC Final at Pairc Esler, Newry (4.00pm).
Portaferry will be endeavouring to make it a hat-trick of crowns having collected the accolade in some considerable style in 2022 and again in 2023.
Judging by their recent form, Portaferry have certainly not lost their appetite for more success, and their recent performances would suggest that they are capable of remaining as the primary force in hurling in the Mourne County.
Tom McGrattan, Finn Turpin, Eoin Sands, Caolan Taggart and Daithi Sands can provide the firepower within the side that could well see them maintain their vibrant glory charge.
McGrattan and Turpin in particular have been in fine fettle of late, and their ability to take points from distance could help to spur Portaferry to another title, although the Ballygalget defence might just be unyielding on this particular occasion.
Portaferry, though, will be up against a Ballygalget side that is a coherent blend of youth and experience, and in Michael Toner, John McManus, Ben Taggart, Oisin Coulter and Michael Og Dorrian, they have resolute players capable of underpinning what they hope will be a strong bid for honours.