By Michael McMullan

ULSTER champions Sleacht Néill are “under no illusions” about the battle they’ll face in Sunday’s All-Ireland hurling semi-final but are tapping into the experience of their four forays into the national stage.

Sleacht Néill take on Munster champions Sarsfields on Sunday bidding to book a first ever hurling final showdown.

After a tough day against Cuala in their first season, the Emmet’s asked plenty of questions of Na Piarsaigh, Ballyhale and Ballygunner in their other three All-Ireland semi-finals.

Throw in two football final defeats and a football semi-final defeat to Nemo Rangers.

“That experience is very, very useful because a good core of our players were involved in those four All-Ireland semi-finals,” said Sleacht Néill selectorcoach Padraig Dougan.

“We really will be drawing on the experience of the players who were involved in that.

“We’ll be asking them to get that experience to the younger players who are coming in this past couple of years or three years who haven’t experienced it.”

All four teams Sleacht Néill took on have an All-Ireland to their name and Dougan is hoping that will help generate a positivity vibe they too can dine at the top table.

“You would hope that the belief is there that it’s within us and it’s within our group to do it,” he said.

“We’re going down to play Cork champions, the Munster champions who dethroned Ballygunner. We’re under absolutely no illusions of the task ahead of us.”

Check Thursday’s Gaelic Life for more Sleacht Néill All-Ireland buildup.