Read analsysis of county champions Dunloy.

Dunloy

Management:

Gregory O’Kane

Championship programme:

Dunloy v McQuillan’s Ballycastle, Sunday August 9

Rossa v Dunloy, Sunday August 16

St John’s v Dunloy, Sunday August 23

Team news:

The champions begin their defence of their title this year, but in very different circumstances. Last season they had a league campaign which they used to build their team, and test the younger elements of the squad. This time round, they are going into the competition cold.

There is a safety net though, as they will get three group games to get up to speed. They also have the bonus of avoiding Loughgiel and Cushendall. Last year, Dunloy beat both Loughgiel and Cushendall on their way to winning the title. On the basis of their form last year, they should win all three of their group games. Though nothing is certain this year, and they are playing three teams who would dearly love to take the Dunloy scalp.