Molloy develops new appreciation of hurling finals

By Michael McMullan

DUNLOY captain Keelan Molloy says there is a greater appreciation of the latter stages of the hurling championship after missing out on the title in recent years.

Having not lifted the Volunteer Cup since the 2022 final, Dunloy take on Cushendall in Sunday’s Antrim Senior Hurling Championship final.

When Molloy came on the scene, from a successful underage crop, Dunloy won five titles in six years.

It was a journey that took them to Ulster glory and to Croke Park.

It has been two years since they’ve even been in a final in Antrim and there has a been a particularly strong drive this season to get back to the top.

“We had a meeting at the start of the year there was a bit more drive as we looked ahead,” Molloy points out.

“When we came on the scene, we were used to getting to finals but we have not there in a while, so it makes you appreciate it a bit more.”

There was a focus on getting off the ground early and targeting the league, despite missing a handful of county players earlier in the season.

Ironically, Cushendall were the only team to beat Dunloy while the other point was dropped at the hands of Loughgiel.

“We just wanted to every game that we played in and it gave boys a chance to hurl when the county players were there,” Molloy said.

“Daire McMullan came in, played full back, he is only a young lad and he has put his hand up. Ciaran Elliot has had injuries but he has been going well.”

Important factor

Another important factor was finding a balance between football and hurling prior to their recent exit from the Antrim Senior Football Championship.

It has been a busy spell in the club who won the camogie title for the first time in 23 years. It sparked a night of celebration in the village.

“It was great for the camogs because it has been a long time coming,” Molloy added. “They have put so much work in and it was great to see them getting the rewards.

“There were great scenes at the homecoming and it makes think what could happen of we can get over the line in our final.”

Dunloy beat Cushendall in the 2022 final but lost out when they met two years later. The word within the county points to a tight counters. Molloy agrees.

“It is a 50-50 game and it’s there for whoever wants it but we have to play well,” Molloy summed up.

“We’ve played each other plenty of times in the championship and there has never been much in it.”