Dunloy take on Ballycran in the Ulster Club Hurling semi-finals

Saturday 26th October 2019

Dunloy take on Ballycran in the Ulster Club Hurling semi-finals on Sunday with Slaughtneil meeting Middletown in the other last-four tie.

Ballycran surprised defending Ulster champions Slaughtneil in last year's semi-final before losing the decider against Cushendall by five points.

Therefore Dunloy boss Gregory O'Kane has been emphasising that his side must not underestimate the Ardsmen.

O'Kane's main selection issue appears to be whether to start Seaan Elliott.

The youngster scored two late goals after coming off the bench in last month's Antrim final win over the Ruairi Ogs as the Cuchulainns completed a 3-16 to 2-15 triumph.

Two years ago, Dunloy impressively clinched the Antrim title only to be well beaten by Slaughtneil in the provincial semi-final. Suffice to say, manager O'Kane will be hoping to avoid a repeat performance.

In addition to Elliott's precocious talents, O'Kane is able to call on other hugely talented relative youngsters Keelan Molloy, Eoin O'Neill, Conal Cunning and Ryan Elliott while Nigel Elliott continued his goal getting instincts in the Antrim final.

However, Ballycran will be optimistic that their blend of youth and experience which saw off Portaferry 1-20 to 1-13 in the Down decider can unhinge the Cuchulainns.

Goalkeeper Stephen Keith, Paddy Hughes, Conor Woods are among Ballycran's battle-hardened men with their younger crew members including Stuart Martin, Chris Egan and Phelim Savage.

AIB Ulster Club Hurling semi-finals

Slaughtneil v Middletown - Athletic Grounds, 12:45 GMT

Dunloy v Ballycran - Athletic Grounds, 14:30