Football’s loss has been hurling’s gain in Slaughtneil, according to Chrissy McKaigue.

The Derry SFC final defeat to Glen has meant that McKaigue and his club-mates have able to focus 100% on the small ball code ahead of Sunday’s Ulster Club SHC final showdown with Ballycran of Down.

Speaking to GAA.ie, the dual star explained: “Like any other game, what gives you confidence is your preparation.

“Although maybe we wouldn't have wanted that template of not having the football running alongside the hurling, that was the landscape we found ourselves in.

“Prior to the Dunloy game, we were able to focus on hurling for five weeks, which has made a massive difference, not having to juggle training, and being able to focus on the technical aspect of hurling.

“That's massive for us because we don't play a huge amount of hurling throughout the year. A lot of boys are away with county football.”

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