Loughgiel and Dunloy go head to head

This Sunday 29th March, 3pm, either Loughgiel or Dunloy will be crowned 2015 McAuley Cup hurling champions.

This intense local derby will provide valuable competitive action for both sides ahead the start of the all-county league the following Sunday.

Reigning champions Loughgiel ran out comfortable six point winners in their semi-final against Cushendall, displaying the experience that has brought them such success in recent years. Loughgiel will have added incentive as it is their first major outing since the death of team mentor and Antrim legend Jim Nelson.

They will no doubt be looking to honour the great man who was so instrumental in their passage to All-Ireland glory. Dunloy received an even smoother route to the final with Ballycastle withdrawing from the competition. Having missed out on the semi-final they will be anxious to get some game time and blow away those early season cobwebs.

With no championship win since 2009 they will be working extremely hard this year to dethrone Cushendall and deny their neighbours Loughgiel victory in their centenary year.

There will be no love lost between these fierce rivals and a victory for either side will be a huge boost even at this early stage of the season.

With the weather improving and the great Armoy surface we should be treated to a spectacle of intense, competitive and free-flowing hurling.

Dunloy vs Loughgiel at 3pm Pairc an Cromach, Armoy.