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That sort of stuff is unhelpful at times, the best ref's need to be getting the best games, and Ciaran has been doing intercounty and club games for many a year and due to Loughgiel's appearances in finals of late it's going to throw up limited chances to do a county final.

There are also things that can help a ref's CV in a very competitive market for ref's and that's getting to do a county final.

Two penalty calls, no major bookings and no major talking points bar the wind/gales.

The fact we are not talking about the ref on here is a positive

A lot of questionable calls where made in favour of cushendall, a full frontal charge on Eoin o Neil by Burke was deemed to be shoulder to shoulder etc. Tosh was trying to find Rationale for some of the decisions, I have no problem with his comments on the officiating. I wouldn't be expecting other officials on the day to highlight bad decisions TBH. Both penalties were soft and some of the frees cushendall got in first half where soft.
Dunloy lost it by not using the breeze as well as cushendall to be fair but some dodgy calls for sure.

Burke stood his ground. Was a good tackle imo. Correct call from the ref

Aodhan played against Cushendall in Cushendall in the championship round robin.  Cushendall a different animal to Loughgiel.  A better team than last year also when they won the championship.  Bare in mind, Dunloy only pulled away in last 5 minutes of '22 final - late Chrissy McMahon goal.

Dunloy were missing Ronan Molloy and Eamon Smyth who have played in wing half back all year.  EMcF looked like a natural there against Loughgiel to be fair.  Seaan Elliott been playing in a deeper role all championship.  Loss of Coby at inside forward is massive.  Up to Eoin O'Neill, Chrissy McMahon etc to step up further in his absence.  Paudie Martin is an asset off the bench but cant see him starting.  Would be a big call to have Luke McFerran starting - he's the minor captain and a talent but to throw him into the championship final mix against Cushendall is a different kettle of fish altogether.

Either very confident Cushendall man, which I doubt, or playing down the favourites tag for Dunloy.
All points correct though but as it stands I still have Dunloy as favourites and would be keen to see if the keep the young lads and the team who hurled excellently in the semi or return to those from the last few years who have missed a game or two.

A Dunloy realist 

Performance level of Tom was excellent.  Made him undroppable basically.  Aodhan has shown these signs and his progress over the last 12 months has been phenomenal.

When it comes to the starting 15s on Sunday, I maintain that Cushendall will be closer to full strength than Dunloy.  From what I understand, Cushendall arent at full strength but close enough while we all know the injuries Dunloy have.

That plus the weather has Cushendall favourites in my eyes.  Nothing to do with downplaying Dunloy's tag as bookies favourites.  Have to look at the whole picture here as well.... The 'Dall have been excellent through the championship barring the last 5-10 minutes against Rossa in their first match.

Aodhan was county minor captain back in his ballymena days so obviously had something about him, plus a years training with the county seniors behind him too

Quick question, are we due a New Jersey this year? Nephew looking the saffron jersey for his birthday but don't want to buy it if there's a new one coming out

Yes

Portglenones decision making i feel cost them the game. Rushed shots at times under serious pressure. McCanns was a certain black card and im not sure about Dermots, didnt see it?? Warranted?

But as Bannside says this shows PG1 they can do it, just need to learn from this

Hats off to Cargin on Saturday, first time there since the new Clubrooms finished, facilities first class, stewarding 10/10. Best venue in the county to take a match in

As for the game, total mismatch. Unsure how St Ts got to that final on that display today. Ballymena should be able to go deep in ulster with the squad they have

https://www.gaa.ie/article/community-ethos-driving-portglenone-to-new-heights

Fantastic. Very impressive. Community place, our GAA clubs are a lot more than just the playing side of things

creggan have really dropped off this year and last. I doubt they'd have challenged pg1 never mind cargin.

I would also say cargin +5. Be nice to see a new winner but can't see it this year. If PG1 get a few more years under the belt I think they might win one but not sure they're ready yet.

Few more years Niall McKeever and Enda Lynn will be pushing 40. Dermot McAleese very unlucky injury wise

For me Ryan McCambridge was one of Cushendalls best. Cant see Shorty and Molloy having as easy a day with him in that area

The amount of ball Loughgiel lumped down on top of Molloy/Shiels was crazy. I think the conditions suited Dunloy. Likewise St Johns who should've nailed that goal chance just before Cushendalls and probably put them out

Ballymena could host a double header that would suit the county. 4 changing rooms. Play one final on the top pitch. £10 in. Play the other final across the road. £10 in

On the games

Armoy v Rasharkin - Armoy to edge it slightly. 1 point win

Carey v Ahoghill - Ahoghill by 3
Randalstown v Glenariffe - Glenariffe by 5

St Johns v Cushendall - Cushendall by 7
Loughgiel v Dunloy - Dunloy pulling away last 5. 2 point win

St Brigids v Belfast Saints - A youthful looking St Brigids to win by 6

The current fixture makers are operating in a world of their own surely.
Junior B & Junior finals along with Intermediate semi final all at the same times on Saturday.
Here's hoping they at least get a tweet or post unlike the minor deciders

I cant understand why the Junior final is on this weekend and were only at semi final stage at the int and senior. Junior B started 6 weeks after the rest and over 2 weeks before the rest. Push the junior B earlier. Junior back slightly, Jun B winners into Junior A. Junior and Intermediate back to a double header on the saturday and a senior final on the Sunday

4 families settling into a parish that is growing rapidly since 2019 is way different from 1 family leaving there home club because of a fall out.

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Wasnt talking about Lisburn. But Dunloy are deemed this breath of fresh air that Antrim football needs

Lisburn too.

You haven't a clue with that statement!

Did they not win a junior a few years ago with a lock of boys who previously played football elsewhere?

If it can said about anyone else, it can be said about them.

Some teams seem to get a bye ball while others get it rammed down their throat at every opportunity.

The winners are usually put into the junior championship which was a really good thing. Has that changed?

The junior final and jun b final will be on the same weekend so yes

Theyd probably rather everyone sat at home a paid for the streams at a tenner a go!