Hurling race to the four in Antrim

By Michael McMullan

THE race for the Volunteer Cup heats up with the semi-finals coming down the tracks this weekend.

After St John’s were knocked out, there will be a renewed vigour ahead of the county final later this month.

Last year’s beaten finalists Loughgiel are chasing a first taste of life at the winners’ table since 2016.

In that time, Dunloy and Cushendall have hoovered up eight of the titles.

The added dimension is Dunloy’s ability to keep both eyes on the small ball after their football exit last weekend.

They were going for five-in-a-row in 2023 but were knocked off their perch by the Shamrocks in the semi-final.

Glenariffe are the story in recent weeks. They were intermediate champions last year and have built on that progress, knocking the Johnnies out on the quarter-final.

This year’s Antrim champions will face the winners of the Down decider between Ballygalget and Portaferry when the Ulster campaign comes knocking.

For now, this weekend is all that matters. It’s historic times for Glenariffe who take on Dunloy on Saturday in Cushendall.

It’s an absolute free shot. Dunloy now have full focus on hurling and will be strong fancied to get back to a first final in two years.

Glenariffe, with a few players added in from Glenravel, won the Ulster minor title over Christmas in Ballinascreen. Some of that crop have stepped into senior level.

The other semi-final is the showdown of Loughgiel and Cushendall. It comes a week after the ‘Dall camogs ended the Shamrocks’ amazing run as senior camogie champions.

Loughgiel will be without the suspended Dan McCloskey and will collectively know they are in for a battle. It will attract a bumper crowd to Ballycastle with new Antrim manager Michael McShane and his management team again out looking around the county for talent.

Cushendall will go in as marginal favourites and the intrigue will add to the attraction.