Armagh aim to Upset Form Books

The captains of both Armagh and Antrim were in attendance yesterday in Casement Park ahead of their Bord Gáis Energy Ulster GAA Hurling U-21 Final clash on Wednesday evening. Cormac Donnelly of Antrim and Nathan Curry of Armagh met at Casement Park to publicise the upcoming final.

Armagh have so far been the story of the Ulster hurling year – their seniors won the Nicky Rackard Cup and their minors and now their U-21s have reached Ulster finals. Having dispatched of Fermanagh and Derry already this year, there will be no lack of confidence amongst the men from the Orchard County as they go in search of a first ever win at U-21 level.

The Saffron County on the other hand won their first Ulster U-21 Hurling title way back in 1964 and haven’t stopped winning since then, amassing a very impressive 25 titles to date, including last year’s title when they beat Derry. This year has also seen Antrim progress at all levels and their senior win against Dublin earlier this month stands out as a particular highlight. But [despite this weekend’s senior loss to Cork], another U-21 provincial title would finish the month off perfectly for Cahill & Co.

Uachtarán Chumann Lúthchleas Gael Criostóir Ó Cuana said, “It’s heartening to see Armagh’s progress up the ladder of Ulster hurling and their involvement in this fixture is a fitting tribute to the excellent work being undertaken in the County at all grades to promote the game.  On Wednesday they meet the kingpins of Ulster hurling when they clash with Antrim in the Bord Gáis Energy U21 Ulster championship final and the novel feel to this pairing should provide the competition with a fitting finale.”

Stiofain MacDhaibhéad of Bord Gáis Energy, was equally effusive ahead of Wednesday’s game, “the progress being made at all levels in Ulster hurling has been fantastic and Bord Gáis Energy are delighted to once again be here in Casement Park supporting that progress and of course, the upcoming U-21 Ulster Hurling Final. It is an intriguing match up and if Armagh prevail, it promises to be a historic night for all concerned.”

Wednesday night also sees the Bord Gáis Energy Munster GAA Hurling U-21 Final taking place between Tipperary and Clare at Semple Stadium and throw in is at 7.30pm.

At Casement Park, the throw in for the Bord Gáis Energy Ulster GAA Hurling U-21 Final is also at 7.30pm.

ENDS

Bord Gáis Energy GAA Hurling

U-21 All-Ireland Championship 2010 Fixtures

Bord Gáis Energy Leinster GAA Hurling U-21 Championship

9th June:             Kilkenny (2-31) v Offaly (0-8)

Laois (0-9) v Carlow (1-14)

23^rd June:            Kilkenny (0-12) v Dublin (0-17)

Wexford (2-17) v Carlow (2-13)

14^th July:               Dublin (2-15) v Wexford (0-15)

Bord Gáis Energy Munster GAA Hurling U-21 Championship

2^nd June:              Cork (1-16) v Waterford (1-3)

14^th July:               Limerick (1-12) v Clare (1-15)

Tipperary (2-17) v Cork (0-21)

28^th July:               Munster Final

Bord Gáis Energy Ulster GAA Hurling U-21 Championship

14^th July:               Armagh (2-19) v Fermanagh (2-8)

21^st July:               Antrim (0-19) v Down (1-12)

Derry (0-10) v Armagh (2-12)

28^th July:               Ulster Final

Bord Gáis Energy GAA Hurling U-21 All-Ireland Championship

21^st August:                        All-Ireland Semi Finals

11/12^th September:         All-Ireland Final