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Dunloy have grown accustomed to flexing their muscles against quality opposition on the AIB All Ireland Club Hurling Championship stage.
Over the course of the past decade, the North Antrim side have encountered teams such as Portumna, Sarsfields, Glenmore, Athenry, and Mount Sion in the closing stages of the premier club competition.
But despite their endeavours, passion and all-consuming ambition, Dunloy have never managed to get their hands on the All- Ireland club title.
This in itself has occasioned a measure of frustration, even despondency, within the club.
But today Seamus McMullan, a member of the management triumvirate, flashed out the message that Dunloy once again have All-Ireland glory in their sights - even though they have yet to get past the semi-final stage in the Ulster Championship.
They meet Ballycran in next Sunday's replay, conscious that they were forced to survive a scare in last Sunday's game, and even more acutely aware that if they wish to make real headway, then a big step-up is required.
"While we had to fight hard to get past Loughgiel in the Antrim final, we were really put to the pin of our collar by Ballycran. We know for sure that we have a big task on Sunday. Obviously it's inevitable that the thoughts of some people will turn to the All Ireland series, but the players themselves are just focused on Sunday's job," says McMullan, who gave Dunloy fine service as a player.
Ballycran ended a twelve-year title famine when they were crowned Down champions, and manager Dermot O'Prey maintains that his team can hold their own in the Ulster Club series.
They offered evidence of this last Sunday although they had to rely on the hugely talented Conor Woods to fire over the late point that gave them a draw.
Yet they deserve another bite at the cherry although Dunloy will again be in pole position for episode two.
Manager O'Prey believes his men can step up to the mark again in the replay.
"It was good to see the character the boys showed last Sunday. Now we need a repeat of this, and maybe if we get a rub of the green, you never know what might happen," maintains O'Prey.
Derry champions Kevin Lynch's await the winners of Sunday's game in the final.
