Braidmen lose out in Kyle Cup clash

For many years the Boxing Day match was one of the most eagerly anticipated fixtures in the calendar, but the advent of the All Ireland League, which would pit the two clubs against each other in a much more serious context, saw the importance of the fixture diminish in recent times.

That was abundantly clear this year when Ballymena, faced with an Ulster League match the following day, were obliged to field a makeshift team against an almost full strength Dungannon side.

Coach Andy Graham was more than pleased with the performance of the players, despite his side losing by 20 points to 15, and felt that the games was there for the taking, Ballymena failing to capitalise on a clear cut chance in the closing minutes.