St John’s manager Gerard Cunningham says there’s “a great buzz about the club” ahead of Sunday’s Antrim senior hurling championship final against Loughgiel Shamrocks (2pm).

After tearing up the script to dethrone Cushendall two weeks ago, Cunningham’s men are looking for capture what would be their club’s first county SHC crown since 1973 this weekend.

Speaking to BBC Sport NI this week, Cunningham said his players are staying grounded ahead of the big occasion and knows the calibre of opposition they’re up against in two days’ time.

"We haven't discussed 1973. It's big for the club, and well overdue for a club of our size, but our focus and discussions have been the last 10 years rather than the last 52. What we've done over the last 10 years is more controllable than what happened previous to that," he said.

"Final days are different and the lead up is different. There's a great buzz about the club, but we have taken a step back. Our buzz will be at five o'clock on Sunday if we win."

He added: "We've a lot of respect for them (Loughgiel) and any team that can beat Dunloy deserves to be there, so it will be tough We've analysed them and put a plan in place, but the main emphasis is on ourselves.

"If we play the way we know we can play, we can give anybody a game. They know that if they click, they will get places and a championship final is just rewards, but we're not done yet."

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