Doherty takes divided loyalties in his stride ahead of Cup clash

SIMON Doherty will find himself with a foot in two camps tomorrow when the Conor McGurk Cup hurling competition gets underway.

The St John’s clubman, however, will restrict his duties to the sideline when UUJ meet Armagh in the opening round.

Doherty, who has been the Armagh goalkeeper for several years now, is also the manager of the UUJ side and it’s in the latter role that he will be seen tomorrow.

Doherty, passionate about the promotion of hurling and keen to see both his county and university teams thrive in 2019, is particularly anxious to see the Conor McGurk Cup accorded enhanced status.

“I believe it is an excellent competition which helps to stimulate interest in hurling, and the commitment of the players Dual role: Simon Doherty doubles up proves that there is very much a market for it,” says Doherty.

“I think the Ulster Council is to be commended for the manner in which it is organised and I must congratulate the Queen’s club for the way they go about hosting it.

“It’s just four years since Conor McGurk passed away but this competition now allows us to pay tribute to his memory in a special way.”

Doherty is convinced that the drive to attract younger players to the sport should be stepped up.

“At half-time in matches in this competition, and in some others, you see youngsters going out onto the pitch with hurling sticks in their hands for a puck around and you can discern the enthusiasm they have for the sport.

“It’s important that these children are given every encouragement,” points out Doherty.

While Doherty is looking forward to fulfilling his role as UUJ manager, he is also keeping Armagh’s bid to gain promotion very much in focus.

“I would love to see Armagh progress. I feel that if we can move up in the league and maybe get to play against some of the better sides this will make us a more formidable outfit,” adds Doherty.