by Orla Bannon

Neil McManus admits he doesn't even know whether he's won nine or 10 Ulster hurling titles.

The medals mean nothing to him anymore, such is the poor state of affairs in the small ball game up north. Antrim have won the Ulster SHC title for the last 15 years in a row and play Armagh in tomorrow's decider at Owenbeg (2.30).

"The truth is it's not the biggest day of the year for any of the counties in Ulster," he says. "We're all more focused on our league performances and trying to win promotion. And the Meagher, Rackard and Ring Cups - that is our championship.

"Ulster is existing in name only - it's definitely lost its appeal. The Ulster Council have no interest in it and for those playing in it, interest is waning.

"Where it's at at the minute it's a complete waste of time."

Ulster's chiefs are playing the game at an earlier date than usual to try and spark a bit of interest. Star saffron McManus accepts an April fixture works on some levels.

"Normally we play the Ulster final in July when we're already out of the (All-Ireland) championship.

"You end up rounding up boys to play who haven't been with the squad all year.

"At least at the minute we have our strongest panel together because we're getting ready for the Christy Ring campaign."

Antrim take on Carlow in an important Christy Cup match next weekend while Armagh will play Donegal in the Nicky Rackard. The orchard county - who've overtaken Down and Derry as Antrim's nearest challengers in Ulster - have reached the final for the second year in a row. They'd love an Ulster title and have enough firepower to keep Antrim on their toes. But McManus is disillusioned and rapped: "the Ulster championship started last Saturday and it's over tomorrow - an eight day championship. It's farcical."

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