Big day for Derry. Ninety years have passed since they last emerged from a province which has been dominated by their opponents Antrim in recent times. They have not contested an Ulster final for 67 years.
That Derry overcame last year's Ulster champions Down and fired home 2-17 in the process will not have been ignored by an Antrim side that was fortunate to scrape through what looked to be a predictable fixture against London.
Antrim escaped with a draw when the teams first met in Casement Park but that result shook them and they demolished London seven days later, scorching them for a whopping 6-28 and underlining their position as favourites.
Team Selections
Antrim: S Elliot; R Donnelly, E Colgan, F McMullan; S McMullan, Gary O'Kane, C Kelly; M Molloy, P McKillen; J Carson, C McGuckian, J McIntosh; A Elliot, Gregory O'Kane, L Richmond.
Derry: K Stevenson; A Hickey, C Murray, N Mullen; B Ward, D Cassidy, G McGurk; R McCloskey, O Collins; G Biggs, M Conway, M McCormack; P McEldowney, G McGonigle, J O'Dwyer.
Team News: After roasting London, Antrim have, not surprisingly, opted for an unchanged team. Derry have made three changes. Conor Murray comes in at full back and Michael Conway and Michael McCormack have been introduced to a new-look half forward line.
Geoffrey McGonigle can make a small bit of history by becoming the first Derry man to play in two Ulster finals in one season - he is also a member of Derry's football panel. McGonigle, a bulky figure with a delicate touch, scored 1-3 for Derry in their win over Down while playing at half forward. He has been moved to full forward for this game.
Key Confrontation: Although they have progressed to this Ulster final with relative ease, Antrim are still essentially a developing team. In Derry, they face a side that have spread their resources well and players who will be greatly spurred by their unexpected win in the semi-final. Derry have some notable big guns in Oliver Collins who whipped over 12 points (four from play) in the Down game, McGonigle and, potentially, Michael Conway, who impressed after coming on after half-time in the same match.
Antrim possess the edge in terms of hurling ability but they will be required to block the flow of ball to McGonigle by at least breaking even at midfield. Derry will punish frequent fouling through Collins.
View From The Camps "To put it simply, we were fortunate to beat London the first day, we did the damage in the replay and we expect a tough game from Derry. It's the first time they have been here in many years so naturally it's a big occasion for them but also for us." - Sean McGuinness (Antrim manager).
"There seems to be a real belief in this team now and I hope the Derry support on Sunday reflects that. People shouldn't write this team off, there are some very good hurlers on it and the fact that we are playing our neighbours and old rivals Antrim will add a cutting edge to the game." - Gerry Donnelly (Derry PRO).
VERDICT: Antrim.
