Leadon Timber Frame Derry Hurling Championships
DERRY’S hurling kingpins Slaughtneil and Kevin Lynchs have been the headline act for the last five finals.
This year it’s different. After missing out on top spot to Swatragh on scoring difference, the Lynchs now face the champions in the semi-final.
Under new manager Paul McCormack, Slaughtneil are aiming for a 12th title in a row this year, but their rivals will be hoping to put a spanner in the works.
Sé McGuigan, Sean Cassidy, Gerald Bradley, Brendan Rogers, brothers Oisin and Cormac O’Doherty remain from their 2013 winning team. Their captain back then, Gareth O’Kane, is now part of the management.
It has been the drip-feeding of new players, year on year, that has kept the Slaughtneil camp fresh.
Minor players Fionn McEldowney and Cahal McKaigue are the latest. Conor Coyle is another. Before that, Ruairí Ó Mianáin, Jack, Shea and Eamon Cassidy joined the mix.
There is also the experience of brothers Mark and Shane McGuigan on board.
On the other side, the Dungiven men have been hit by emigration. Odhrán McKeever and Conor Kelly were recently named as the hurler and dual player of the year respectively with the Cormac McAnallen’s club in Sydney.
They still do have their core. Sean Kelly has been deployed in goals this season. Mark Craig and Paddy Kelly are key men in defence. Thomas Brady has an important role at midfield. They’ll look to Corey O’Reilly, Darragh McGilligan, John and Richie Mullan for scores.
Kevin Lynchs need to find their performance of the season if they are to ask the questions needed to topple the champions.
Unbeaten Swatragh take on Banagher with the other final spot up for grabs.
The Davitts have added to their panel this year with a return for Glen footballer Paul Gunning, with former Clooney Gaels man PJ O’Connell joining the squad.
Sean Martin Quinn has been their key scorer, with Sean Francis Quinn and James Friel important players in their defence. The latter – their long-range free-taker – is a doubt after going off injured in a recent football draw with Kilrea.
It has been Swatragh’s depth that has helped their hurling grow and they’ll hope it is a factor this weekend.
Banagher’s only blot so far was a defeat at the hands of Slaughtneil but they have shown form elsewhere.
After controlling their opening game against Lavey, it took a strong defensive showing to help them through.
Keelan O’Kane missed their recent football win over Drumsurn and would be a loss if unavailable.
Darragh Cartin has made a full return after injury and has been helped in the scoring stakes by Ciaran Lynch, who has also scored well with the big ball.
Callum O’Kane and Brian Óg McGilligan are key men in the middle third, while brothers Ruairi, Oisin and Darragh McCloskey are still on board.
While Slaughtneil are fancied to book a final spot, this one is tougher to call. If Swatragh are missing Friel, it could tip the scales in Banagher’s favour.
The winners on Sunday advance to the senior final, while the losers will contest intermediate decider.
Today, Lavey will take on Na Magha in the junior semi-final, with Ballinascreen facing Eoghan Rua.
The formbook points to a final showdown between Lavey and ‘Screen.
Fixtures (all games at Owenbeg)
SHC/IHC play-offs
Sunday Banagher v Swatragh (1pm)
Slaughtneil v Kevin Lynch’s (3pm)
JHC semi-finals
Today Eoghan Rua v Ballinascreen (3pm)
Lavey v Na Magha (5pm)
