01 July 2011
The Ulster Hurling final takes centre stage this Sunday. In the minor game Antrim take on Derry and in the senior final a pairing not seen since 1946 – Antrim V Armagh.
It is a unique occasion in any year and given the appearance of the Orchard County in the senior final, interest should be high.
Antrim’s minor manager John Crossey has laid down a marker for the young saffrons. “I have watched Derry in their games against Down and Armagh and the scored well, they are big and strong and they will be coming to Casement to win.”
John also feels that in recent weeks the intensity of Antrim’s preparation has increased. “The whole management team is delighted at the commitment these fellas have shown in training. We are in the summer now and we want to leave our mark on the Ulster and national stage. An Ulster Championship medal means a lot to a young player, from Antrim or Derry, and I know both teams will be going all out. We are looking forward to a tough, close game.”
This weekend Antrim’s senior hurlers are three quarters of the way through a month of competive championship hurling, with the biggest test to come the following weekend in Phase 3 of the All Ireland Hurling qualifier. Some might expect them to take their eye off the sliothar, but Neil McManus insisted today that the Ulster title means a lot to the Antrim squad.
Armagh have made positive strides in the recent past and just last year, in a rain soaked U21 Ulster final they matched Antrim for long periods before the saffrons pulled away. It would be a major shock if Antrim didn’t win, and with full concentration, they should.
Special mention to Ciaran Herron and Karl McKeegan who line out on Sunday in their 10th consecutive Ulster hurling final. Go raibh maith agat agus is fearr is mian leis
Ulster minor hurling final Antrim V Derry, 1.30pm, senior final, Antrim V Armagh, 3.30pm
