Slaughtneil must grasp “great opportunity” to topple Cushendall says Paul McCormack

Ulster Club SHC semi-final: Cushendall vs Slaughtneil (Saturday, November 16, Box-It Athletic Grounds, 7.15pm)

Slaughtneil’s dominance of Derry hurling is absolute. As 12-in-a-row champions, they enter familiar territory this weekend as they begin another Ulster Club Senior Hurling Championship campaign.

The Emmet’s won four provincial titles under former manager Mickey McShane between 2016 and 2021 and lost the last two Ulster finals to Antrim opposition, including to Cushendall last season in Newry.

Now under the guidance of former Armagh dual star Paul McCormack, Slaughtneil are bidding to progress to a ninth Ulster Club final in 11 seasons this weekend.

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Having been top dogs in Derry for so long, there is only so many more opportunities the current squad will get to regain the Four Seasons Cup and McCormack has urged them take the first step on that journey by defeating Cushendall with Down champions Portaferry awaiting the winners of Saturday's game.

“Everybody can have their own opinion based on what they’re seeing,” said McCormack.

“The answer is we don’t know, but all I can tell you is the club is in a healthy position - there are minors coming through, they’re working really hard underage.

“I say to the players every time they go out keep enjoying it, and as along as that’s the case, they’ll compete because they are competitors and they’re still ambitious.

“We’re just focused on this year. Mickey McShane was there nine years and did one hell of a job. For what he did for those players I don’t think will ever be replicated. But he’s left a fantastic foundation, a fantastic environment.

“It is a great opportunity and we don’t know where we’re at until the game’s on. Watching last year’s game just as a spectator and supporter of hurling, and I’ve been in Armagh loads of times it’s a brilliant place to play. On Saturday night I hope the boys take the opportunity.”

Over the years, Slaughtneil’s dual players have become accustomed to playing week-in, week out over the autumn months.

For four seasons between 2014 and 2017, the hurlers and footballers both competed in the provincial club series while the both won the Ulster double in 2016 and 2017.

In recent years, Glen have usurped their neighbours on the football front while Newbridge lifted the John McLaughlin Cup this season.

In his first year at the club, McCormack admits he fully expected both teams to be competing for county titles in October.

“We were planning for the hurlers and footballers to come through (in Derry) and to be in both finals,” said McCormack.

“I’d no doubts in my mind the footballers were going to win against Maghera (Watty Graham’s) because of the quality of players and the people they are, but unfortunately it didn’t work out on the day so we were planning 14 weeks in a row.

“You just try and the players as best you can. I can understand why they want to play both probably more than a lot of people who only played one code. That’s probably something I’ve brought as you know how they feel.”

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