In the build up to Sunday’s Ulster Intermediate Hurling Championship final against Keady Lamh Dhearg, St. Gall’s manager Mickey Culbert shares his thoughts with the Saffron Gael. Mickey took over the management duties with St. Gall’s at the start of last season but is no stranger to management at the club having won championships with their Senior footballers in 2001-2002-2003.
Mickey also trained Cushendall hurlers for a couple of seasons and had a spell as Antrim football manager. He is one of the most knowledgeable and respected managers in the game.
The Saffron Gael spoke to Mickey Culbert this week:
Saffron Gael: Mickey this is your first Ulster final with St. Gall’s hurlers, did you win Ulster honours with the footballers and if so what year and who against
Mickey Culbert: I won Antrim senior football championships with St. Gall’s in 2001/2/3. The club also won minor and U21 Antrim football championships those same years. We got a treble-treble. So we had a great production line with plenty of young lads coming through. Got to the Ulster final my last year but were defeated.
Saffron Gael: How many Antrim football titles did you win with St. Gall’s.
Mickey Culbert: 3
Saffron Gael: You were involved with Cushendall hurlers for a number of years. What years was it and what did they win.
Mickey Culbert: I trained them for a couple of their all Ireland campaigns but didn’t manage them. A great bunch of fellas. Nothing was too much for them.
Saffron Gael: What do you know about Keady Lamh Dhearg and just how much threat do they pose on Sunday
Mickey Culbert: They are a big threat. A big strong and fit outfit. Not unlike the opponents we had to struggle against in earlier rounds. They will be treated with utmost respect.
Saffron Gael: Tell us about your first season in charge of the hurlers and how you feel they have improved as the season has progressed
Mickey Culbert: This is actually the second year that I have managed the squad. Last year we struggled to avoid relegation from division 2 . This year we have won promotion and the championship. Very pleased with the efforts the squad has put in this year.
Saffron Gael: Mickey anything else you would like to add on your thoughts about Sunday’s final
Mickey Culbert: hope it’s a good hard clean game – a battle, but a bloodless one.