A jubilant St. Gall's manager Lenny Harbinson was in no doubt that his side's previous All-Ireland final experience stood to them against Kilmurry-Ibrickane.

The Belfast outfit lost the 2006 All-Ireland final in heartbreaking circumstances, while many of the same players also tasted defeat to Kilkenny side St. Lachtain's in the All-Ireland club intermediate hurling final last month.

"What happens in the past stands you in good stead from an experience point of view," Harbison said.

"We spoke very briefly about four years ago a few weeks before this game. It didn't have any negative impact on the team and was more a learning experience. When I looked at the talent in our team and our club, I felt with a wee bit of organisation and a few other things we could do well in this competition, regardless of what happened in the past.

"The experience that our lads had of playing county football with Antrim and playing at the All-Ireland club stage in hurling and football, stood to us out there. It's tremendous for the St. Gall's community, for Belfast and Antrim as well. We're delighted."

Harbinson also highlighted the important role St. Gall's proud tradition in 'sevens' football had played in their success.

"It's no small coincidence that we like playing seven-a-sides. We have a great tradition playing seven-a-sides in the Castlewellan and the Kilmacud competitions. There's no doubt that stood us in good stead, first in the Ulster campaign. Fundamentally, it's down to the players who did it," he added. Tweet

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