McKee and Gilmore hoping for final return

Neither Johnny McKee or Neil Gilmore played when Bann won the Cup in 2011. They're hoping they'll beat injury to play in this final. Pic: Rowland White/Presseye

The 17 year-old went off injured in the closing minutes of Banbridge Academy’s McCullough Cup victory with a calf problem but he’s desperate to make sure he’s back in time for Friday’s game.

Bann are also waiting on their second top scorer Neil Gilmore, who is another doubt with a leg injury.

If McKee makes it, he is hoping he’ll carry his trophy-winning momentum into the club side.

“The McCullough Cup win is my first as captain of the school team,” he said,

“It’s great to finally get that trophy and it gives me the confidence that what we’re doing is right. Hopefully I can carry that momentum into my performances for the club now and go on to win trophies there too, starting on Boxing Day.

“We’ve had a great start to the season as a club and there’s absolutely no reason why we can’t go on and challenge for every trophy and win them as well.”

McKee is, however, wary of Bann’s final opponents.

“We’ve come out on top against Cookstown in every game so far this season but in the last meeting, it was very tight,” he said.

“They are very tough opposition and are always difficult to beat. They’re at the very least a dogged team who will fight us for every ball from start to finish. We’re going to have to play well.”