Dunloy defy the odds in style

DUNLOY captain Nigel Elliott described it as "the best team display I have ever been involved in". His statement was easy to believe as from start to finish, Dunloy hurled themselves to a standstill in front of an attendance of 2,375 at Croke Park.

The Antrim champions progressed to their second consecutive All Ireland club hurling final at the expense of Kilkenny champions Glenmore, the pre match favourites for the title. Not only did they defy ally the pundits, and their predictions, they played in a manner which suggests that they can win the competition outright. Last year's final, when they lost in a replay against Offaly champions Birr, has obviously provided an added motivation to their cause.

Dunloy's whirlwind opening knocked Glenmore off track from the start. Full forward Greg O'Kane's second minute point preceded an Alister Elliott goal, that must be put down to a goalkeeping error on the part of Frank Kirwin. As he failed to deal with a long delivery from the stick of centre back Gary O'Kane, the predatory Elliott pounced to send his ground stroke to the net. Greg O'Kane followed up with a 50 metre point, before the same player extended their lead with a point from a free after Alister Elliott had been fouled by Glenmore's Shay Vereker.

Full back Paul Molloy and centre back Gary O'Kane blunted the cutting edge of Glenmore's attack as they keet Christy Heffernan and Michael Phelan's influence in check. Nevertheless, Seamus Dollard, Denis Mullally and Phelan cut Dunloy's advantage to 1-3 to 0-3 after 20 minutes.

At this stage, a torrid struggle seemed likely on the heavy pitch. But it never materialised. Jarlath Elliott arrowed over a point before right half back Seamus McMulla launched a monster effort from 80 metres.

Then, although Glenmore's Willie O'Connor looked to have frustrated a Dunloy attack, the sliothar dropped at the feet of Frankie McMullan, who whipped a ground shot to the net.

Seamus McMullan - from a 65 - and Ray Heffernan with a free, swapped points to leave Dunloy 2-6 to 0-4 ahead at the break.

The Antrim men must have expected a Glenmore onslaught on the restart. However, they continued the same vein, while Dunloy continued to set a pace that had Glenmore floundering. The younger, hungrier Antrim players out paced, out fought and out thought their more experienced opponents.

Ray Heffernan's second pointed free, after 31 minutes, proved a false dawn for Glenmore. In response, Dunloy rifled over seven answered points from Alistar Elliott, and two each from Tony McGrath, Greg O'Kane and Jarleth Elliott.

Long before the end, Glenmore had resorted to dropping hopeful balls into a packed defence. Dunloy easily countered this crude of attack.

Des Heffernan and Michael Phelan had consolation points for Glenmore towards the end, but it was Dunloy's day. Their desire to capture the All Ireland title cannot be satisfied until St Patrick's weekend at least.