Colum Thompson reflects on the SHC thus far:
"You don’t win anything with kids.” Soccer pundit Alan Hansen’s opinion on a youthful Manchester United team in the mid 1990's. A statement that came back to haunt Mr. Hansen as the kids won The Premier League in some style. Its an opinion that many self styled pundits held about Ruairi Og Cushendall and their chances of reclaiming The Antrim Senior Hurling Championship in 2014. Most thought us a team in transition, plenty of young hurlers with undoubted potential but not ready to make the step up… yet. Loughgiel had won The All Ireland in 2012, four county titles in a row and were going for a record breaking fifth title on the trot and were backed by many to do so. However on a late August evening in Ballycastle, Ruairi Og’s young guns sent shock waves around
What has been most pleasing about the two victories is that it hasn’t just been our established players who have stood up and been counted, it’s the young lads as well. Ryan Mc Cambridge came through tackles in both games like a wrecking ball, teak tough and strong as an ox. Paddy Burke, despite his tender years, took hold of the number 6 jersey at the start of the year and made it his own. An old head on young shoulders, his calming influence on proceedings is vital. Paddy Mc Naughton has finally found his position and has matured. Eoghan Campbell has that touch of class about him. Equally as happy snuffing out attacks at one end as he is popping over points at the other. It is heart warming to see Sean Mc Afee hurling senior after two serious knee injuries. Another big strong lad who’s ability to win dirty ball is essential. We all knew Alex Delargy has skill and vision, we now know he is as game as a badger as well but then coming from that stock how could he be anything else? Christy Mc Naughton, a minor again next year but already a natural finisher. Three goals in two games in high company is some return.