Messages

Havent seen L'giel this season prior to the final so was somewhat surprised by their performance. 3 or 4 scores from open play is an atrocious return for any forward line. The winker show on his own plus to a fair extent Campbell will never be enough to win them a championship. Dunloy were solid throughout, although I think they shouldn't have been sucked in by the 2 man forward line in the first half, I am sure that it was not a comfortable place to be for young Martin to be. He was outstanding though when dropped back to familiar territory in the 2nd half making a few crucial tackles and putting his head on the block literally when L'giel threatened. Their score was bolstered by a masterly display of free taking by Winker but Dick was also on form.
Great to see Patch, Ally and Dick getting their 10th medal at last, when you think back to to the days they were robbed over the last few years( Rossa assisted by E McHugh worst of all). The ould seasoned campaigners were the heros for Dunloy and inspired the rest of the team to turn in a great performance and take the well deserved win

Laitroim Fontenoys (Down IHC Champions) will be worth keeping an eye on in the Ulster. They are a very pacey side with enough  very good hurlers to rack up a good points tally from play. I dont think they are a big threat for goals though against a decent back line but they can take enough points from further out to compensate. I have to say I think C'Dun will struggle, hope I am wrong but I think the goal chances they got and took yesterday don't often come round. St.Pauls have been very patchy all year due to the fact that they haven't had a settled squad so they shouldn't have been so complacent and concede goals the way they did.

The best team won no doubt about it. A couple of soft goals conceded killed St.Endas plus the pace of the Dunloy attack. See the Dunloy Celtic supporters club turned up to, smokin in the stand, carryouts at their feet, soccer tops. Well done Dunloy, a fantastic achievement for any dual club but leave these hallions at home.

If Loughgiel try the 2 man forward line all Dunloy have to do is mirror this tactic to negate any benefit. They wont be that naive to allow any of their backs to be pulled into midfield. Patch has to be the man to mark Winker, as good as he is I don't ever remember Patch getting cleaned out by him, especially on a big day. He still has pace and the coolest head on the Dunloy team.

Whenever you consider that people are being paid to administrate this competition, it is quite unbelievable

This is the point exactly, administered by paid officials, not volunteers as we are used to. These matches were called off at the last minute with only one club that I am aware of notified directly, the rest had to read it in the Irish News!!! Players who cancelled plans for a trip to France lost money for nothing.
It would seem that FQ only deems certain people worthy of his direct communication despite numerous attempts being made to contact him. What an ambassador for hurling? I will be encouraging our comittee to forward a letter of complaint to the UC. If he was a volunteer for this position then his actions would be regretable, as it stands they are unforgiveable