Dunloy edged out 14 man Oisins in their last semi-final meeting back in 2009

Dunloy and Glenariffe met in the semi-final of the Senior Hurling Championship back in 2009. Coming into the semi-final, Dunloy were clear favourites on paper, but Glenariffe brought immense intensity and physicality right from the throw-in. The Oisíns pushed Dunloy to the wire, contesting every break and refusing to let the Cuchullains settle into their fluid attacking rhythm. [1]

GOAL! Glenariffe’s Seamus McDonnell celebrates after scoring his teams second goal in Saturdays SHC semi-final with Dunloy.

Dunloy had to rely heavily on their battle-hardened core, anchored by goalkeeper Gareth McGhee, defender Malachy Molloy, and the experienced forward line which included Liam Richmond and Gregory O’Kane.( Paddy Richmond and Paul Shiels, who were stalwarts of the team were both missing through injury). Glenariffe, who had five McDonnells in the forwards, were joined by one of the real stars of the team Johnny McIntosh. The Oisins kept the contest within striking distance and were very much in contention until McIntosh was sent off late in the game. It was to prove a decisive blow as Dunloy’s experience and clinical finishing in tight moments saw them edge through with a one point victory to secure their place in the decider at Casement Park

In that final Dunloy beat reigning champions Ruairi Og, Cushendall by 3-14 to 1-13 to seal their 11th title.