Antrim Hurling

[Milltown Row2]

The weather was the same for both and just about the best team on the day won.

Cushendall were relentless in that first period and laid the foundations for their win in the end.

Both penalties warranted and no real complaints from either teams at the time, which would give you indications on that they were correct.

Ball in play is in play, had he scored then it's a score, also Elliot touched the ball so again score had it went in was ok.

Both keepers pulled off some crackers saves that looked goal bound, Burke pulled off an amazing block too which could have changed the game late on.

Scores with the wind and against the wind were difficult today, all that considered it was still a high enough scoring game.

As I said earlier, how Cushendall worked the first 20 minutes, was the winning of the Fame, Neil won the toss and decided to play against it.  Big call I thought at the time but it worked.

Enjoyable game, tense and no quarter given by both.

Hopefully Cushendall can win Ulster and have another go

[Gael-in-exile]

A good game with plenty of excitement even for online viewing. Cushendall showed some belief in selecting to play against wind in the first half.
Dunloy will rue the missed chances in the first half and even though I believe the conditions suited Cushendalls style Dunloy were very close to nipping it at the end.

Hard to tell what either penalty was given for on the stream, though Elliott made a great save and McAllister was left with very little chance but could be happy enough with some other excellent saves and a point for his days work.

Some excellent performances in particular Seaan Elliott who was unlucky not to get MOM.

I'll not say much about the commentary and slight bias I thought prevailed at times.

Did the venue hold up for those in attendance? I'm not sure if it had been in Corrigan it would've avoided the wind but at least most puck outs may have past the 45.

[Jonkunlon]

1st penalty was for holding and Ciaran thought
Phelim Duffin was holding more than Joseph McLaughlin. Both players had their arms round each other. The Dunloy defenders disagreed. 2nd penalty was for absolutely nothing other than to even up the decision for the first. Ruck of players from both teams simply fighting for possession

[Milltown Row2]

1st penalty was for holding and Ciaran thought
Phelim Duffin was holding more than Joseph McLaughlin. Both players had their arms round each other. The Dunloy defenders disagreed. 2nd penalty was for absolutely nothing other than to even up the decision for the first. Ruck of players from both teams simply fighting for possession

From my vision Nigel was being obstructed on the way in, some shirt pulling too, not difference to the first penalty.

Players were being impeded ... Referees union and all that 

[Jonkunlon]

Official's Team done well I have to say. 

[Gael-in-exile]

Thanks. I certainly thought the second from the stream view was questionable but I think it was suggested a high hurl may have been the case. The first was hard to see as it was almost out of the screen but Duffin is the type of defender who is almost always playing the man as much if not more than the ball so I did think if it was called then it must have been due.

The officials done very well. I thought in advance the ref may have tended to be whistle happy as it's his first final and he'd want to ensure he was in control by using it too much but he was very good, let the game flow without blowing over zealously for many things.

I see pics have a full set of officials, 9 in all, ref, linesmen and 4th official plus umpires.  What is the role of the older man who was there? I've seen him on the line at a few matches in normal clothes so was never sure.

[paddyjohn]

1st penalty was for holding and Ciaran thought
Phelim Duffin was holding more than Joseph McLaughlin. Both players had their arms round each other. The Dunloy defenders disagreed. 2nd penalty was for absolutely nothing other than to even up the decision for the first. Ruck of players from both teams simply fighting for possession

From my vision Nigel was being obstructed on the way in, some shirt pulling too, not difference to the first penalty.

Players were being impeded ... Referees union and all that 

I thought Ciaran signalled for a high challenge.

[Milltown Row2]

1st penalty was for holding and Ciaran thought
Phelim Duffin was holding more than Joseph McLaughlin. Both players had their arms round each other. The Dunloy defenders disagreed. 2nd penalty was for absolutely nothing other than to even up the decision for the first. Ruck of players from both teams simply fighting for possession

From my vision Nigel was being obstructed on the way in, some shirt pulling too, not difference to the first penalty.

Players were being impeded ... Referees union and all that 

I thought Ciaran signalled for a high challenge.

He probably did. But from the angle I had Nigel was running towards goal with three I think hanging off him and there was some dragging back from my end, Ciaran was straight on and seen what he seen to. As I said Cushendall players didn't complain at all or too much which is always a good sign, and I was on teh Dall side

[Milltown Row2]

Thanks. I certainly thought the second from the stream view was questionable but I think it was suggested a high hurl may have been the case. The first was hard to see as it was almost out of the screen but Duffin is the type of defender who is almost always playing the man as much if not more than the ball so I did think if it was called then it must have been due.

The officials done very well. I thought in advance the ref may have tended to be whistle happy as it's his first final and he'd want to ensure he was in control by using it too much but he was very good, let the game flow without blowing over zealously for many things.

I see pics have a full set of officials, 9 in all, ref, linesmen and 4th official plus umpires.  What is the role of the older man who was there? I've seen him on the line at a few matches in normal clothes so was never sure.

The other official organises the much needed communications systems plus the board for the subs and injury time notifications. Also At Ballycastle the dugouts are on both sides, so fourth official required on both side

[Gael-in-exile]

Thanks. I certainly thought the second from the stream view was questionable but I think it was suggested a high hurl may have been the case. The first was hard to see as it was almost out of the screen but Duffin is the type of defender who is almost always playing the man as much if not more than the ball so I did think if it was called then it must have been due.

The officials done very well. I thought in advance the ref may have tended to be whistle happy as it's his first final and he'd want to ensure he was in control by using it too much but he was very good, let the game flow without blowing over zealously for many things.

I see pics have a full set of officials, 9 in all, ref, linesmen and 4th official plus umpires.  What is the role of the older man who was there? I've seen him on the line at a few matches in normal clothes so was never sure.

The other official organises the much needed communications systems plus the board for the subs and injury time notifications. Also At Ballycastle the dugouts are on both sides, so fourth official required on both side

Thanks, have been pitch side once or twice myself a while back and it was a lot more simplified but even with two sides for subs it gets more complicated

[left peg]

According to todays paper portaferry are in line to take Cushendals title. You men reckon they'd have a chance?

[podge]

According to todays paper portaferry are in line to take Cushendals title. You men reckon they'd have a chance?

I imagine Slaughniel shouldn't be written off either.  Interesting few weeks ahead.

I think Cdall are favourites. They won't be complacent after Portaferry more or less had them beat last year.  I also think the fact that few of the lower profile players had big games yesterday will stand to them over the next few weeks.

[imtommygunn]

Slaughtneil won't be easy beat. After last year and being beat handy enough in the football they'll have a point to prove. Would worry about portaferry after that - as dunloy found out they're not easy beat.

I would expect Slaughtneil to be tougher than Portaferry though Portaferry have 3 very good forwards in McGrattan and the Sands brothers so might be handy enough too.

That being said I would have Cushendall favourites but not massive favourites....

[Tony Baloney]

Slaughtneil won't be easy beat. After last year and being beat handy enough in the football they'll have a point to prove. Would worry about portaferry after that - as dunloy found out they're not easy beat.

I would expect Slaughtneil to be tougher than Portaferry though Portaferry have 3 very good forwards in McGrattan and the Sands brothers so might be handy enough too.

That being said I would have Cushendall favourites but not massive favourites....

They've been a while trying to prove that point.

[imtommygunn]

In the football yeah but hurling not as much.