|
Down GAA Hurling season reaches its climax - 28/09/2002
The hurling season in the County reaches
its climax on Sunday with the SHC final between the holders
Portaferry and Ballygalget at Pairc Tomas Ruiseil, Downpatrick.
This game has all the makings of being a real thriller,
which would be in line with previous meetings between the
two clubs. The Holders will be going for three titles-in-a-row
and are seeking their seventeenth title which includes one
collected by a former club in the town called carrig Uladh
in 1926. It was three years later that the present club
St. Patrick's won their first title.
Portaferry have won at least one title in each of the decades
since the 'twenties. But despite all their successes they
have yet to achieve that elusive three-in-a-row of victories
- So could it come on this Sunday? Ballygalget will be hoping
that thirteen will be their lucky number. They have already
twelve titles to their credit their first in 1964. They
also achieved three-in-a-row between 1997 and 1999 when
they went on to win the Ulster club crown as well.
Portaferry were their victims in all three of these finals.
Both sides had impressive victories in their respective
semi-finals with Portaferry outscoring Ballycran by 2-15
to 0-8 to reach their seventh successive county final. That
in itself is consistency and gives the side the necessary
confidence going into this decider.
Ballygalget too are a well-balanced side, and their 4-18
to 1-1 semi-final win over Kilclief was just as emphatic
and impressive as that of the Portaferry sides over Ballycran.
Both teams have many talented players in their ranks, with
potential matchwinners in the respective attacks.
It is a hard match to predict as both teams go into this
decider in a very confident mood. However, Portaferry are
determined this season to get that elusive three-in-a-row
titles and this in itself could be the incentive for them
to win what should be a very close and exciting encounter.
Taken from Hoganstand.com
Site
was Created and Designed by Diarmuid Cahill
© DOWNGAA.NET
|