SLAUGHTNEIL are expected to tighten their grip on the Derry Senior Hurling Championship this afternoon as they face Banagher in a repeat of last year’s final.
Both sides entered the competition at the semi-final stage, having finished first and second in the league respectively. The Ulster champions eased past Ballinascreen 1-21 to 1-8 in their semi clash, while their opponents were 2-11 to 1-11 victors against Dungiven.
Managed by Raymond O’Kane and Gary Biggs, Banagher are chasing a first Father Collins Cup success since 2005, and they will take confidence from their last-four win over the Kevin Lynch’s.
Oisin McCloskey was the hero for the St Mary’s men as he grabbed a goal in each half to take them through.
The second of those was vital as Banagher overturned a four-point deficit in the second half to win by three. They did hit 12 wides across the hour, though, and they must be much more clinical if they are to have any chance of a huge upset at Celtic Park.
The free-taking of Darragh Cartin and the defensive steel of Brian Og McGilligan will be key to their chances, but they are facing a side that is just at the height of its powers at the moment.
The Robert Emmet’s are chasing a fifth title on the bounce and they have so many options across the park.
They were actually drawing at half-time against Ballinascreen, but they won the second half on a 1-13 to 0-3 scoreline – Cormac O’Doherty grabbing their goal in the closing stages.
Despite hitting 22 scores, only six players managed to get on the scoresheet, with Sé McGuigan accounting for 0-10 of their tally, seven of those coming from frees.
Michael McShane’s men racked up an incredible 17 wides though and it’s unlikely they will be as wasteful again.
With the likes of Chrissy McKaigue, Brendan Rogers and Gerald Bradley driving them on, more Slaughtneil silverware looks the most likely outcome.
Ten points separated the sides in last year’s decider and while it may not be as comfortable for the holders, the result should remain the same.
