As Dunloy’s biggest game in two decades draws closer, Gregory O’Kane admits he is “gutted” as one of their most consistent performers this season is set to miss Sunday’s clash with Ballyhale.
The Antrim side lost out in the All-Ireland Club Hurling finals of 1995, ’96, 2003 and ’04 with O’Kane featuring in them all. They’ll be hoping for better luck in their fifth attempt at landing the Tommy Moore Cup.
Speaking at their recent press night, O’Kane expressed his anguish that talented defender Aaron Crawford has been ruled out after breaking his collarbone in the semi-final victory over St Thomas’ of Galway last month.
Read more: Dunloy vs Ballyhale: History won’t hinder All-Ireland bid says Cuchullain’s ’keeper Ryan Elliott
“What a player he has been for us this year. Aaron (Crawford) is one of those players who has really developed in terms of his athleticism and he has been outstanding all year,” remarked O’Kane.
“He has scored in almost every round of the Championship. He’ll be a huge loss and I’m just gutted for him as a player.
“His attitude and what he brings to the team is invaluable. The injury was unfortunate.
“The first person who has to deal with it is himself, but all the players are gutted for him. I know his father well and it is hard on the family too and I’m sure everyone who takes to the field will be thinking of Aaron.”
Crawford’s absence leaves a vacancy in Dunloy’s defence and Conor ‘Woody’ McKinley’s timely return to fitness is a welcome boost for O’Kane.
Having missed Dunloy’s county and provincial campaign with a serious shoulder injury, McKinley got some much-needed game-time when he lined out for Antrim in their Conor McGurk Cup victory over Armagh last week and is ready to feature against Ballyhale.
“Conor (McKinley) had a bad injury and needed a shoulder operation after the last League game of the year,” said O’Kane.
“He has done all his rehab and he has trained well and he is ready for games. We’re obviously at the stage of the season when we aren’t getting many games.
“We had a good opportunity to get him some game time with the county and he got a good 30 or 35 minutes in the legs. He’ll be in contention to feature.
“Chrissy McMahon is in the same boat. He is back training and his fitness is improving all the time so that’s a real bonus for us.”
A stunning second half goal from Keelan Molloy helped the Cuchullain’s to a 1-14 to 0-13 victory over St Thomas’ in Decemeber’s semi-final at Croke Park.
Later that afternoon, Ballyhale gained revenge over Ballygunner in what was a repeat of last season’s All-Ireland final.
O’Kane is fully aware that his side will be cast as underdogs once more, but he feels there’s plenty of scope for improvement in his side as they target a maiden All-Ireland crown.
“To go to Croke Park and perform was massive as it was the first time there for this group of players with the club,” added the Dunloy boss.
“That said, it wouldn’t be good enough the next day. We’ve lots to improve on. The challenge we have is massive - we know that ourselves.
“Ballyhale lost last year’s All-Ireland final in injury-time and, only for that, they’d be going for a tenth All-Ireland Club title - that’s totally unheard of.
“They keep producing All Stars and keep winning All-Ireland titles and they’ve produced, arguably, two of the finest hurlers of any generation in Henry (Shefflin) and TJ (Reid).
“You’d just love to know what’s in the water in Ballyhale? They are a super club and what they have achieved is unbelievable.
“Ballyhale are a different animal completely and the challenge we face is the biggest challenge we’ve ever faced. All we can do is try and be at that level and meet that challenge on the day.”
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