Hugh McCann was ratified as Loughgiel manager a few weeks ago as the Shamrocks attempt to win back the county title from Dunloy. The backroom team includes Paul McKinley, Paul Gillan, Neilly McGarry, DD Quinn while Jeff McNeill is the strength and conditioning coach.

Loughgiel lost last year’s final to Dunloy by seven points, in what was a brilliant  display from the champions. Yet there were plenty of signs of promise from the Shamrocks who last won the Senior Championship back in 2016 when they beat Cushendall in the final.

However, the Loughgiel team will be different than the one that appeared in the final in 2020.

The retirements include Neilly McGarry, who is on the management team. Mark ‘Duck’ McFadden and Joey Scullion have also retired.

McCann said this week that training is via Zoom, and running sessions. They are making the most of the situation but are hoping to get onto grass soon.

Fergus McAllister is the Ballycastle hurling manager. He was coach of Cushendall back in 2008 when they won the Antrim Championship. He played half-forward for Cushendall back in the 1980s when they won the county title twice.

Glenarriffe will be managed by Eddie Haughey.

Patrick Sarsfields hurlers will be managed by the McGuinness brothers,  Niall and Colm.

FOOTBALL

The Sarsfields footballers have Niall McAlea and Kieran Carson over them this year.

Moneyglass have the same man in charge as last year, Peter Doherty. His backroom team will be Martin Doherty, Donal Laverty, Paul Campbell and Stephen Bateson.

Aghagallon have the same manager as last year, Kevin Murray.