A rub of the green and the day is Dunloy’s

IF Dunloy are to win their first All-Ireland club hurling title today, they must do something they have failed to do three times, beat Birr.

1995 final, first meeting, a draw, after the Antrim champions had been in the driving seat, leading at the break with the benefit of the elements still to come; replay, concede two early goals, challenge over.

Roll forward seven years, semi-final last year, Dunloy again in the driving seat at the break, three points ahead, fail again.