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| | Saturday, 26 October, 2002, 14:01 GMT 15:01 UK Hurling final venue switched  Martin Curry (right) will be in action for Dunloy AIB Ulster Club Hurling Final: Dunloy (holders) v Portaferry, Sunday, Loughgiel 1500 GMT A waterlogged Casement Park pitch has meant that Sunday's AIB Ulster Club Hurling Final between holders Dunloy and Portaferry has been switched to Loughgiel. Ulster officials took the decision on Saturday morning after viewing the Casement surface. The decision means Dunloy players and supporters will face a short journey to the match venue but Portaferry may not be over-enamoured at having to leave their Ards Peninsula base much earlier. Portaferry are aiming for their first Ulster Club Hurling title against a Dunloy club that have claimed six provincial crowns. The Ards men have reached six Ulster finals but have been beaten by Antrim opposition on each occasion. However, Dunloy's injury troubles will give Portaferry hope that they can upset the Cuchulainns.
Gary O'Kane continues to be troubled by the thigh injury which has affected him in recent months while Malachy Molloy and Alistair Elliott are both doubtful starters after sustaining knocks in last weekend's win over Lavey. Regular substitute Darren Quinn definitely won't play any part in the match after breaking a hand in the Ulster semi-final. However, Paddy Richmond, the hero of the win over Lavey after hitting a decisive 1-2, will line out for the Cuchulainn's. Portaferry's chances could hinge on how well key forwards Gerard McGrattan, Noel Sands and Paul Braniff perform. All three are potential match-winners and could benefit from the absence of key Dunloy defender Molloy. On paper, Dunloy, thanks to the presence of Conor Cunning and Colm McGuckian, will be expected to edge midfield although Ger Adair may fancy his chances of upsetting the Cuchulainns partnership. Overall, Dunloy should have too much class for the battling Portaferry outfit although the Down club will be hoping that the Antrim champions are jaded after a busy six-week period. | | See also:  26 Oct 02 | N Ireland 25 Oct 02 | N Ireland 20 Oct 02 | N Ireland Internet links: The BBC is not responsible for the content of external internet sites Top N Ireland stories now: Links to more N Ireland stories are at the foot of the page. | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
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