Dunloy hurlers looking to build on strong foundations

THERE'S no escaping talk of Sunday's All Ireland Club final for Dunloy goalkeeper Ryan Elliott.

At work, at home, it's the same - it's all anyone around the north Antrim village wants to talk about.

And then there's the media commitments: on Tuesday, he made the 300 mile round trip to Dublin to fulfill press duties on behalf of competition sponsors AIB.

He didn't get home to late, thanks to the first snow of the year, and immediately set off for training with his team-mates who are just days out from an eagerly anticipated meeting with Ballyhale Shamrocks.

But the 26-year-old wouldn't have it any other way: as he says himself, where else would you rather be than in Croke Park on the biggest day in the club calendar.

"Every club hurler, that's where you want to be, in the All Ireland final," he says.

"Everyone's in good spirits and we're looking forward to it.

"The hard work's been done, now it's just a case of topping up before Sunday.

"We're going into the final as underdogs but we don't read too much into that, we'll just go and play our game.

"Of course, we're under no illusions about the size of the task. It'll take a massive effort but hopefully everyone knows their job and we can get the result we all want," he adds.

Sunday's opponents Ballyhale Shamrocks, the club of legendary hurler Henry Shefflin, are the standard-bearers when it comes to the club game, having won multiple times on the national stage.

Dunloy, meanwhile, are still searching for their breakthrough victory at this level. Four times they have reached the All Ireland final and four times they have lost.

Current manager Gregory O'Kane played on those previous Cuchullains teams and his vast experience will be invaluable on the sidelines this weekend.

"Those previous finals have no relevance to us, to what we're trying to do," adds Ryan.

"They're part of the club's history which we all know about, but the baton's been passed to us and we're trying to create our own history.

"Gregory's been involved in every championship win, either as a player or as a manager, and he's Dunloy mad.

"He defends us to the hilt and gives us the platform to go out and play.

"We've a lot to thank him for and it would be brilliant if we could win on Sunday for him."

Perhaps not surprising given the clubs' respective records at this level the four in a row Antrim champions are outsiders to lift the Tommy Moore Cup, reflecting a perception in some quarters that Ulster hurling isn't on a par with their southern counterparts.

"It's not really a motivating factor for us," admits Ryan.

"Maybe some people don't see enough of Ulster teams playing, but I believe we're as good as anyone.

"We're getting physically stronger, we're maturing as a group, and we have very good hurlers.

"Ballyhale are a good team but they'll need to get their match-ups right.

"Anything can happen over 60 minutes and we're confident of going there and getting a result."

Dunloy will travel to Dublin on Sunday morning, following the same routine as in their semi-final win over St. Thomas of Galway, and no doubt get a rousing send-off from their supporters.

Everywhere you go in the village, Sunday's game is the sole topic of conversation.

"I suppose everybody wants to talk to you about it which is only natural," says Ryan.

"Even at work it's hard to get away from it: I work in Creagh Concrete and there's about 10 or 11 of the team works there.

"But, as I said, it's where you want to be as a hurler so we'll take it."

Best of luck Dunloy!