Derry hurlers aim to build on Nicky Rackard Cup success

DERRY senior hurlers will look to build on last year’s success in winning the Nicky Rackard Cup when they play Armagh in the opening round of the Guinness Ulster SHC in Casement Park on Sunday.

The Oak Leaf County last won the provincial championship in 2001, while Armagh have yet to inscribe their name on a cup being played for since 2000. Hurling would be very much the poor relation in both counties but, according to Derry PRO Gerry Donnelly, “as long as we have people interested in the game we’ll play it.

“I’ve got to be very realistic here and say, barring some kind of miracle, Derry will never be up there with the likes of Cork, Kilkenny and Tipperary when it comes to hurling.