Slaughtneil may have had to exercise a ration of patience in their bid to land a 12th straight Derry Senior Hurling Championship title but this may well be rewarded when they meet Banagher in Saturday’s Final at Owenbeg (2.00pm).
Indeed, Slaughtneil’s dominance of the Championship has been such down through the years that they have not been unduly challenged yet there is no element of complacency in their make-up.
With familiar faces such as those of Cormac O’Doherty, Shane McGuigan, Chrissy McKaigue and Brendan Rogers still part of the side, the fact that they have been bolstered by relatively new troops such as Ruairi O Mianain, Jack Cassidy, Peter McCullagh and Mark McGrugan further underpin the team’s hunger to remain as the high kings of Derry hurling.
For their part, Banagher face a tough test. They are only too well aware of this yet there is a drive and energy about the side that is commendable.
In Darragh Cartin, Brian Og McGilligan, Callum O’Kane, Conor Campbell, Darragh McCluskey and Shane Farren they have a solid core of seasoned players who would appear to be well capable of leading the resistance to Slaughtneil.
Meanwhile, it’s not often that Down hurling comes under a spotlight in an international context but that will be the case on Saturday when Ireland and Scotland meet in a Hurling/Shinty encounter at Ennis (2.00pm).
Caolan Taggart and Daithi Sands will get the chance to represent the Mourne County against what is expected to be a strong Scottish side. And also stepping up to the mark will be Fermanagh’s Luca McCusker who has been making a huge impression at club and county of late.
Gerard Walsh, who has been the essence of consistency in Antrim’s colours, could have a big role to play while Donegal’s Steven McBride also gets the nod.
Walsh will bring his stylish demeanour to the table while McBride’s ability to win possession and take scores from distance could see him make a big impact and in the process earn plaudits from Ireland manager Terence McNaughton.