by Orla Bannon

Neil McManus wants his club, newly crowned Ulster hurling champions Cushendall, to buy a medal for trainee airline pilot Conor Carson who wasn't able to fly home for Sunday's provincial final.

The giant forward has recently moved to Spain to begin training as a pilot with Aer Lingus.

McManus, who top-scored with 0-9 in Sunday's win over Down champions Ballycran, said: "our heart goes out to Conor, because we wouldn't even have been in an Ulster final only he dragged us through the last two matches”.

“Against St John's in the semi-final replay he was exceptional and again in the county final (against Loughgiel).

“There's not too many men walking around Cushendall as athletic as he is at six feet six, so he's a big big loss.

“He has only started his training and couldn't get away.

“But hopefully the club will purchase an Ulster medal and give it to him because he has absolutely earned it. No-one deserves it more.”

McManus also paid tribute to injured defender Aaron Graffin, who suffered a dislocated knee injury during the game at the Athletic Grounds.

Medics from both clubs attended to him during an eight-minute stoppage before his knee was put back in place. He was released from Craigavon Hospital on Sunday night to begin his rehabilitation.

An emotional McManus added: “that totally overshadowed it for me because myself and Aaron have been together throughout our whole lives really".

“We were christened on the same day in the same chapel. I'm four days older than him.

“We were in the same class at primary and secondary school and he was always a leader on the hurling field and always a very good man to have by your side.

“There's people who have taken to the field who have more talent - but nobody puts in more effort and he puts his body on the line time and time again.

“He was down there for a long time and we just came together on the field and said 'we don't leave without that Cup today, boys'.”

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