Early goals set Dunloy on way to Ulster hurling triumph over Slaughtneil

Dunloy Cúchullains 2-12 Slaughtneil 0-16

Dunloy Cúchullains claimed their 11th Ulster hurling title in their history with a pulsating victory over old foes Slaughtneill at the Gaelic Grounds in Armagh.

Having lost all three previous meetings between the sides, the Antrim champions finally got the edge over the Derry men.

Dunloy brought the greater physicality on the day and backed that up with two first-half goals that allowed the Antrim champions to hold on and become provincial kingpins for the first time since 2009.

The victory now sees Cúchullains join fellow Glensmen Ruairí Óg Cushendall at the top of the provincial roll of honours list.

More to follow...

Dunloy Cúchullains: Ryan Elliott; Phelim Duffin, Ryan McGarry, Orán Quinn; Eamon Smyth, Kevin Molloy, Aaron Crawford (0-01); Conor Kinsella, Eoin McFerran; Nigel Elliott (1-01), Keelan Molloy, Ronan Molloy; Seaan Elliott, Conal Cunning (0-07, 0-03f ), Anton McGrath (0-01).

Subs: Decky Smith (0-01) for S Elliott (41), Nicky McKeague (0-01) for McGrath (50), Paul Shiels for Kinsella (54), Gabriel McTaggart for (64)

Slaughtneil: Oisín O'Doherty; Paul McNeill, Karl McKaigue, Conor McAllister; Ruairí Ó’Mianáin, Chrissy McKaigue (0-01),Meehaul McGrath; Shane McGuigan (0-02), Cormac O’Doherty (0-05, 0-04f, 0-01 '65); Peter McCullagh, Brendan Rogers (0-02), Gerald Bradley (0-03); Brian Cassidy (0-01), Jerome McGuigan (0-01), Shéa Cassidy (0-01).Subs: Sé McGuigan for McCullagh (41),

Referee: Peter Owens (Liatroim)