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Slaughtneil manager Paul McCormack says referee deserves “massive credit” for all-time classic against Cushendall
It is not often that referees draw praise following any game, but Saturday night’s titanic tussle between Slaughtneil and Cushendall wasn’t just any game. It was a bona fide classic. A game for the ages and, arguably, one of the best Ulster club hurling games of all-time.
Slaughtneil looked to have done enough to seal a place in the Ulster final, but a 1-1 salvo from Neil McManus, who finished with 3-9, forced extra-time.
The Derry champions recovered from the set-back to win by five after 80-plus minutes of non-stop action at the Box-It Athletic Grounds.
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Speaking after the game, Slaughtneil boss Paul McCormack felt that referee Peter Owens played his part as he let the game to flow and allowed a fair degree of physicality during proceedings.
“What a privilege to be here - I’m an Armagh man and the Athletic Grounds is a brilliant place to play,” stated McCormack.
"The referee (Peter Owens) deserves massive credit. He’d a tough job but he let it go. He blew things when he had to and sometimes he didn’t, but both teams just got on with it.
“That’s the quality of men you have on both teams - them men from Cushendall and Slaughtneil have been about the block and they know how to play hurling at the top level. It was a tremendous occasion for the boys and their families.”
Cushendall’s heroic fightback didn’t come as a shock to the former Armagh dual player.
The Antrim champions have been involved in a score of thrillers in recent times, including several against Slaughtneil.
"I told the boys they were going to have to do more than expected today and that turned out to be extra-time," add McCormack.
"Throughout the season at training, I'd spoken about having to go to extra-time at some stage, so soak it up. They just reached down inside and found that extra level they have been to for the past 10 or 12 years.
"They know how to get out of tight spots. They were composed, skills were incredible and the quality was incredible, so I'm thrilled for those men because of the work they've put in.
"They were disappointed last year, disappointed against Dunloy (in the 2022 Ulster final). Those boys are winners and when they win, they want more. It was just a privilege to be a part of it."
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