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




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