Christy O'Connor: Slaughtneil and Cushendal epic battle great advertisement for Ulster hurling

This was an epic game; enthralling, breathless, laced with class and intrigue and drama, surely the best game in the history of the competition. For certain, it was the highest scoring hurling game in the province – by a distance.

EPIC BATTLE: Ronan McAteer of Ruairí Óg looks to make a pass. Picturel: ©INPHO/Andrew Paton

Ulster hurling produces an Epic 

At the end of Saturday night’s brilliant Ulster semi-final, just before he squared up to a sideline cut, Cormac O'Doherty turned around to the Slaughtneil hordes and waved his arm in a signal of defiance and jubilation. It was Doherty’s way of announcing that the victory was finally theirs, but it was also a symbol of what it represented for hurling in the province.