On Sunday afternoon Annadale played Banbridge at The Dub, Upper Malone in an All Ireland League fixture. Having clinched the league championship the day before, Banbridge were content to give game time to their squad. The sun shone on a good crowd, though a stiff breeze kept the temperature down. I arrived a few minutes late, having watched Ulster win in Montpellier.

From early on it was obvious that the game was going to be fast flowing, with defences tested at every opportunity. There was an edge of feistiness with players not frightened to question umpires decisions. There were a number of green cards issued for this.

Annadale took the lead in the 4th minute when Charlie McKeown prodded the ball home in a melee in the Banbridge circle to lead 1 . . .