McAuley Cup Final – Senior Hurling
Loughgiel vs Kevin Lynch’s
Venue: Páirc an Cromach, Armoy
Throw in: 7pm
By Brendan McTaggart
Páirc an Cromach, Armoy plays host to the McAuley Cup final on Wednesday evening with Kevin Lynch’s travelling down the glen to face the Shamrocks. The Loughgiel men are perennial challengers for the memorial tournament, played in honour of Paddy McAuley – the man credited with bringing the small ball to Armoy in the 60’s. Loughgiel were beaten in last year’s final in a close contest with Slaughtneil, a late Liam Cassidy goal earning the Emmet’s a four point win and they face a Kevin Lynch’s who are a side on the up and come off the back of winning back to back Ulster minor crowns. Under the tutelage of Derry legend, Geoffrey McGonigle they are trying to transfer that potential at underage into the finished product at senior level.
They faced Slaughtneil in the semi-final of the Derry championship last year and in a packed Ballinascreen, they came within a dropped free of stopping the Emmet’s claiming six in a row. McGonigle is under no illusions as to where his side currently are however: “We played Slaughtneil in the league not that long ago and we got a bit of a trimming. We were missing three or four players but Slaughtneil are probably the team to beat in Ulster never mind Derry.
“We have our own goals though and gradually we’re getting there. We have a young side with plenty coming through but it’s very much a work in progress.”
When he received the phone call with the invite, the Lynch’s manager said he jumped at the chance with the scheduling fitting his side perfectly: “It’s a great match for us to have. Loughgiel are a team who are constantly challenging for the championship in Antrim and maybe closer to winning one than we are in Derry.” He continued: “Our footballers play in the championship on Saturday week so Wednesday night will be the last time we’ll be together as a group. It was a no brainer to take this match and it’s something we’re looking forward to, very much so. It’ll make for a good yard stick to see where we are as a group of players and we’ll be going full tilt with the players we have available.”
Loughgiel have booked their place in the semi-finals of the championship with two wins over St John’s and St Galls. A hugely intense battle with the Johnnies at Fr Healy Park preceded their impressive showing against the Milltown Row men and like his Kevin Lynch counterpart, Loughgiel manager Hugh McCann was delighted to accept the invitation: “Loughgiel club have enjoyed this competition. We have a good relationship with the folks at Armoy and they let us use their pitches for training during the All-Ireland runs. It’s something we look forward to and use to our own benefit.
“It’ll be five or six weeks between the St Galls match and the semi-final, we would have been looking for a challenge match anyway, this presented us with the perfect scenario as we prepare for the semi-final.
“Our reserves played Glenariffe at the weekend but we have a big panel of players available and it’s important to give the younger lads game time too. We have this match against the Lynch’s on Wednesday evening and we’re hoping for at least one more before the semi-final but that’s not been confirmed yet.”
From the team that lost narrowly to Slaughtneil in last years McAuley Cup final, five players haven’t featured in the championship this year while Ryan McKee has been used as a substitute. Between retirements and player unavailability, the Shamrocks manager has had a major rebuilding job on his hands this year: “It’s no secret Loughgiel are in transition. When you look at the team that were beaten in the final last year, I think we’re missing seven or eight players when you take into account retirements or lads away overseas for one reason or another.
“The likes of Ding, Neilly McGarry and DD going has left a huge hole in the defence but the lads who have come in have been doing well.” McCann continued: “You look at Chrissy O’Connell. Played back-up for DD Quinn for I don’t know how long. He waited more than most would for his chance and he’s been top drawer this year. Credit where it’s due, he deserved the chance he got and he’s making the most of it.”
On what he expects the Lynch’s to bring to the table on Wednesday evening, McCann added: “Matches like this are as good as three or four training sessions. Kevin Lynch’s are a good team and they’ll provide a stiff test.
“We’re expecting a very competitive game. You look at their minor team from the last couple or three years and they’ve been exceptional.
“Traditionally Derry sides are big, physical and strong so we’re expecting more of the same.”
The Derry men will have the youthful exuberance of Niall and Padraic McNicholl and Eoin Cassidy while Richie Mullan has been the outstanding underage player in the Oak county. A master from placed ball and anything inside 80 yards can normally be put down as a score while forward Tiarnan McHugh is rated as doubtful with a shoulder injury.
Liam and Kevin Hinphey will lend their experience to the youth coming through, Kevin recovering from a career threatening knee injury to make a comeback this year while John Mullan and Odhrán McKeever are other names to keep an eye out for in the Lynch’s 15.
Loughgiel haven’t wavered too much from the usual starting 15 for much of the year but with the semi-finals of the championship not far away, they will be looking to fine tune their preparations. A final with strong Derry opposition will certainly provide them with that.
An excellent prospect awaits with these two sides having one eye on their own semi-finals. Loughgiel will start as favourites but there is an element of the unknown with the Lynch’s that will make for an intriguing contest.