Terence ‘Sambo’ McNaughton previews the Antrim SHC final between Loughgiel Shamrocks and Dunloy, highlights the big match-ups and star players, and makes his prediction.
Antrim great Terence ‘Sambo’ McNaughton believes that Sunday’s county final clash between Dunloy Cuchullains and Loughgiel Shamrocks will have a ‘Rangers v Celtic’ environment.
Just 400 people will be allowed to attend the game at Ballycastle as Dunloy look to retain a crown they won last year, when beating McNaughton’s native Cushendall by 3-16 to 2-15.
Loughgiel, who won the All-Ireland club title in 2012, are looking to lift the Volunteer Cup for the first time since 2016, and needed extra time to finally edge out St John’s in the semi-final.
“These clubs will not want to lose to each other, believe you me,” says McNaughton.
“They would rather sell their children than lose to each other, and that evens it up. Anything could happen here on Sunday. Anything.
“There’s big pressure, the fans will play a big part… it’s probably as big a rivalry as there is in Antrim hurling, is Loughgiel and Dunloy.
“When I was young, Loughgiel were the top dogs and Dunloy were nobodies, and Dunloy came out of nowhere and they have and they have [13] county titles and they’re winning the junior and minor, and Loughgiel are finding it hard.
“Loughgiel have trumped them with an All-Ireland, but it’s a real Celtic v Rangers environment, that sort of mentality. It’s good for hurling and good for the neutral.”
McNaughton talks about the match-ups that may decide the game, the injury issues on both sides, and the star players who may fire on the big day.
Click play on the video at the top of the page to watch the discussion.
Antrim semi-final results
Dunloy 1-22 O’Donovan Rossa 2-18
Loughgiel Shamrocks 2-31 St John’s 5-18 AET
