Cushendall's Antrim SHC win 'was always going to be a battle'

Cushendall have won back-to-back Antrim Senior Hurling Championship titles

Cushendall captain Neil McManus says Sunday's Antrim Senior Club Hurling Championship win over Dunloy was "always going to be a battle" due to Storm Ashley.

McManus' side defeated Dunloy by 1-16 to 2-12 to make it back-to-back Antrim titles.

The game took place in windy conditions in Ballycastle due to Storm Ashley, which impacted four of the seven scheduled Ulster finals on Sunday.

"We knew that Dunloy always work so hard. We knew we would have to bring a huge amount of workrate to get over the line," sais McManus.

"We worked really hard and there was nothing in it at the end."

Eoin O'Neill and Seaan Elliott were on target for Dunloy, but Ed McQuillan netted for Cushendall and consistent scoring helped the reigning champions retain their title.

Cushendall could have won by a bigger margin after McManus had a penalty saved by Ryan Elliott.

The Cushendall captain admitted the windy conditions played a factor.

"I absolutely fluffed it. I flicked it up and the ball went behind me because it was so breezy.

"I hardly hit it at all. I was really lucky I got a 65 out of it, really."

McManus said you "just never know what's going to happen" when the wind was as strong as it was in Ballycastle, but was pleased with his side's shooting in the second half.

"There were no real breaks in front of goal. We had to manufacture the goal that we did score, and it was a really good one.

"You just keep trying and keep going and try to take as many chances as you can.

"I thought our shooting was pretty good in the second half.

After winning the Antrim title for two consecutive years, McManus said it was important to enjoy the moment.

"This is my 21st season playing with Cushendall and only my eighth medal," he added.

"I keep trying and I keep pushing. Hopefully we'll have more days like that.

"Days like that are for both communities."