More needed as Sleacht Néill step into the Ulster arena

By Michael McMullan

PAUL McNeill puts the Sleacht Néill hurlers’ consistency down to a sheer desire to win but admits improvements are needed ahead of Saturday’s Ulster semi-final date with reigning champions Cushendall.

The vice-captain’s first taste of senior hurling was his addition to the panel for their 2014 replay defeat at the hands of the ‘Dall as a minor.

By the following season, he broke into the team and has been a fixture since.

As the owner of PM Boots, he sells football boots to the GAA market by day while mixing both the big and small ball in maroon and white.

The mix works in the busy season of juggling both codes.

“I probably put it down to just a real want to win,” McNeill said of the club’s run to 12 successive Derry hurling titles.

“The boys always want to be the best they can be and give the best version of themselves now.

“There’s a feeling within the camp that every time you go on to the pitch you want to win.

“I suppose over the years you’ve built up a confidence as well within Derry that you’re in a good position to win.”

Saturday marks another chance for Sleacht Néill to overcome Cushendall, the only Antrim champion they’ve not cracked in their golden spell.

McNeill doesn’t think about that stat. It’s for others to ponder. If it happens, it happens.

After losing to Glen in the football semi-final, it was about getting back on the horse again.

The hurls have been out more often. And they needed to.

“Our performances in Derry are not going to cut it outside of Derry,” McNeill said.

“Our hurling is probably well below par of where we want to be.

“Those last few weeks have been fairly full-on hurling-wise. A lot of stick work and crisping up our skills.

“We’re not in a bad position physically. The last few weeks have been focused on skills work within hurling.”

Without taking on a challenge match to prepare for what Cushendall have to offer, Sleacht Néill have used training games to hone their game.

McNeill points to their strength in depth. With players looking for starting jerseys, it creates the competitive edge needed.

In terms of Saturday, they need a whole lot more than last year.

In Páirc Esler, the Emmet’s were second best in last year’s final with Cushendall on top in many sectors.

“When you reflect on the game, we were probably found wanting in a lot of parts of it,” McNeill recalled.

“We need to bring that hunger into this week. We’re aware of Cushendall. They’re very good team skills-wise with a lot of forwards needing looked after.

“Physically in the air, they probably dominated us last year.

“I thought last year, we were found wanting on ruck balls, and the loose ball on the ground.

“We were second best to them a lot of the time. They are probably the areas where we can improve on for this year.”