By Michael McMullan

GREGORY O’Kane has been around enough dressing rooms to know how championship hurling rolls.

After a stellar playing career, he dipped his toe into coaching and is now in his 10th season as Dunloy hurling manager.

He’s played against Loughgiel enough times to know the games take a life of their own. Sunday afternoon in Cushendall will be the same as the great rivals lock horns with a final spot up for grabs.

“No two games are ever the same, any year,” O’Kane said of one of the biggest games in Ulster hurling.

“On Sunday, it’ll be exactly the same. The best team on the day will win the match and I just hope that’s us.”

Following the club’s football exit, the total focus has been on the ‘wee ball’ and they had a quarter-final win over Ballycastle to sharpen the focus.

Losing to Cushendall in the final group game left Dunloy in second place, needing the extra game in the Volunteer Cup race.

O’Kane has no complaints. It wasn’t a do or die game, but Dunloy had a focus on winning it. On the day, they were weren’t good enough. End of. That’s how O’Kane rolls. If you don’t perform, there can be no complaints.

There is a genuine excitement about Sunday. It’s Loughgiel and it’s knock-out hurling. What’s not to enjoy?

“You don’t really know where you’re at until it comes to knockout hurling,” he added. “It’s a new season and we’re looking forward to Sunday’s match.”

They got a taste of it against Ballycastle who hit a late goal that forced Dunloy to look deep inside. And they passed the test.

O’Kane’s side had the kitchen sink threw at them but they had the demeanour needed to find a way over the line.

“We just tagged on a few good scores at the right time,” he added.

Dunloy have hurled without Conal Cunning for some of their games with injury. Now he’s back.

“No club side or no county side is any different in Ireland, your best players are still your best players,” O’Kane said of having a full hand.

“To have all your best players available at the business end of the season, that’s all you want. Then, it’s about being the best you can be.

“Having ‘Coby’ (Cunning) back, fit and healthy, of course it’s an advantage and we’re delighted to see him back.”