IHC Semi-Final
Ballymena 7-30 – Friday
Glenariffe Oisin v Cloney Gaels
As Glenariffe and Cloney Gaels get the hurling semi-final action underway at Quinn Park on Friday night both sides could be staring into the eye of a storm.
Oisins will start this one as favourites by virtue of a league campaign that saw them win 13 out of their 14 fixtures to take the Division 2 title with their only defeat coming at the hands of Emmet’s Cushendun way back on the 28th May.
Ghaeil Chluanaidh had a descent league campaign themselves as they went through a rebuilding programme as they finished third in the table with 8 wins, 4 defeats and 1 draw.
Come championship time Oisin CLG continued to set the pace but they were pushed all the way in Group 2 by Tir na nOg, Randalstown with both sides recording 4 wins and 1 draw in their group games.
Significantly Glenariffe beat Tir na nOg in the group stages and that defeat came in their final game in the group against St. Brigid’s Cloughmills when the Waterfoot men had already topped the group and booked their semi-final place.
Cloney Gaels weren’t as impressive in their qualification from Group 1 but 2 wins, 1 draw and 1 defeat in their group games was enough to earn them qualification with Kickham’s Creggan.
Ten points separated the Ahoghill side when they lost to Glenariffe in Cloney back on the 4th June with the visitors cementing their place at the top of the league with a 3-19 to 1-15 win but whether that league form will have any significance in the championship remains to be seen.
With Storm Amy set to be doing her worst over Quinn Park on Friday evening the adverse weather could play its part and it could be down to the side that wants it most on the day.
Paul McMullan, Niall Magee, David Kearney, Calum McIlwaie, Odhran Gillan, Orrin O’Connor, Alex O’Boyle and Seanie McIntosh will spearhead the Oisin challenge.
Cloney Gaels are renowned championship contenders and Aiden Graham, James Magee, Fionnbar O’Neill, Diarmuid Graham, Dan O’Neill, Ronan Graham and James O’Connell have been down this road before and will be determined to whip up their own storm in Ballymena.
