Respect gained, now Antrim side want title

In defying the bookies’ odds by beating Limerick and Munster champions Na Piarsaigh in the All-Ireland Club SHC semi-final at Parnell Park on Saturday, Loughgiel Shamrocks didn’t just win the right to contest the All-Ireland final on St Patrick’s Day, they also won respect for Antrim hurling.

And that respect, according to manager PJ O’Mullan, is long overdue.

“Our hurling ability is never doubted, I think anyone watching this, our players, their hooking and blocking — they’re as good as any team from anywhere else in Ireland,” he said.