ULSTER SHC: Slaughtneil adapting and evolving, says McKaigue

Slaughtneil talisman Chrissy McKaigue says his side need to continue their evolution as they head into the Ulster SHC final on Sunday.

The centre back praised the infusion of youth that has made its way onto the team this season as they prepare to face Antrim champions Dunloy in Armagh.

“One thing that has been said about Slaughtneil – and it's a misconception – is that it's an ageing team,” he said.

“You have Ruairí Ó Mianáin who has just turned 18, Peter McCullagh is 19, Shéa Cassidy and Jack Cassidy are 20; they're four boys that on any given day would start in our 15.

“We are doing okay at bringing players through. I'd be very optimistic about a lot of lads currently within the U17 ranks.

“They are playing top level football with their schools and playing county minor, so we have an array of talent coming through and that's something the club are big on now.

“There are a lot of players who have given a lot of service, but you can't stagnate,” added McKaigue, who has recently taken up the role of Games Promotion Officer within the club.

The Emmet's had a shaky start in their semi final win over Portaferry, but once the rust had been cast off, they broke free to record a comprehensive win.

Brian Cassidy hit 1-7 of Slaughtneil's total against Portaferry. Pic: Mark Doherty.

McKaigue said the side were happy with their overall performance.

“Our performance was brilliant because we knew what Portaferry could bring to the table and in many ways, there is no perfect template for a dual club aspiring to be at the top table like we are,” he said.

“Being out of the football allowed us to focus solely on hurling and once we can do that, our technical ability becomes a lot stronger.

“It was great, especially after not having a game in so long, but we're very aware that we'll need a considerably better performance against Dunloy in the final and that's what the aim is.”

Shane McGuigan tracks Pauric Mahoney of Ballygunner in the 2022 All-Ireland semi final. Pic: Barry Murphy/Sportsfile.

There was praise too for Shane McGuigan, whose role this year is a lot more expansive than the marking brief on Keelan Molloy he was handed for last year's Ulster semi final.

McKaigue says that flexibility is important in a team aiming for the top.

“From playing the Ballyhale, Ballygunner, Na Piarsaigh and Cuala over the years, if you don't have players that can adapt and play a variety of roles, you do become a lot easier to play against,” he said.

“We are very fortunate that we have adaptability and flexibility within our ranks and it's something that we have targeted.

“On any given day, a player for us has to be able to adapt and play a role, but I don't think that's any different from Dunloy.

“They have been able to adapt brilliantly well when under pressure in the county final and they are a team now that are becoming more seasoned, more experienced, like ourselves.

Dunloy's Conal Cunning has been laden with individual awards for both club and county in 2022. Pic: Ray McManus/Sportsfile.

“We all know it; Dunloy and ourselves are the two best teams in Ulster at the minute, in a provincial final, going head-to-head. It's an exciting game.”

The modern tendency is to shut out the hype when preparing for a big game, but the Slaughtneil man says their players are embracing the build-up.

“As a player you want to play on the big days and in front of the big crowds,” he said.

“It's a good advertisement for Slaughtneil, Dunloy and Ulster hurling, because how many big days in the GAA calendar do we see dedicated to Ulster hurling?

ULSTER SHC: Slaughtneil sail past Portaferry into Ulster final

The Emmet's had 19 points to spare over their Down opponents.

“There will be a massive crowd at the Athletic Grounds and the coverage island-wide for this game has been brilliant.

“I don't think I've ever seen such positivity and coverage towards an Ulster club hurling game in my life, and that only bodes well.

“You have to embrace playing on the big days, in front of the big crowds and people who are interested in watching you.”