Social Media Technologies in the Retail Banking Industry

By Conor Donnelly

My name is Conor Donnelly, a MSc International Business Student at the University of Ulster in N.Ireland. I graduated from my undergraduate degree, BSc (Hons) HRM & Marketing with a Diploma in Area Studies in July 2011 having also completed a year studying abroad at Roanoke College, VA.  I  am currently in the process of writing my dissertation;

"A shallow case study investigation of retail bank use of social media technologies in the UK, Ireland and Finland."

The aim of this research is to investigate the varying uses of social media platforms by retail banks in the UK, Ireland and Finland.  Finland is traditionally more advanced in terms of banking technology so it will provide an interesting comparison between the three countries.  The results will demonstrate what social media platforms the different banks use, how they use them, what techniques they employ to implement their social media strategy, or if they even have an online presence at all.  This research will also help identify the social media strategies of retail banks in these countries and allow me to compare and contrast the varying case studies.

Social media represents a new area of study.  In the last couple of years, social media has emerged as an ever growing popular communication tool.  In many cases online accounts such as Facebook and Twitter have been replacing everyday activities such as SMS messaging and email, with many taking to their social networks to communicate.  As there is such a large percentage of the population online, it is not uncommon for a business to use social media platforms such as Facebook, Twitter or Google+ to communicate their product or service.  Other platforms, such as LinkedIn, provide a professional network for businesses to establish connections with peers, employees and forums for professionals to meet and discuss ongoing issues.  In terms of telecommunications, Skype has be enjoying success by undercutting traditional phone operators and establishing themselves as the best option for long distance calls, not just in the business world.  

    

The internet has already had a significant impact on the operations of retail banks, an example being the growing number of online banking users.  A vast array of banks have yet to take advantage of the true potential of social media.  Consumer preferences and expectations will continue to rise, and it is crucial for banks in maintaining their competitive edge to adapt to the change in demands from their customers. 

There are a number of reasons for a retail bank to have an online presence in terms of social media.  An effectively managed social media strategy allows for the firm to enhance their brand, therefore driving more traffic to their website which helps in the recruitment of new customers.  Having an online presence also gives a bank the opportunity to reduce costs in areas such as sales, marketing and customer service. It also allows the firm to identify dissatisfied customers straight away and allow for the problem to be dealt with immediately.

Retail banks can ill afford to be left behind as many businesses look forward with the use of Facebook, YouTube and Twitter.  It is crucial that banks meet their clients where they are, and with Facebook currently having 900million users, there is a clear indication that social networks can have a significant influence.

Social media is a fast-growing technique in the business world.  Many industries are researching ways to improve engagement with their customers and ways to create stronger relationships.  Most global retail banks are online, but the way they are managed can have an effect on their relationships with customers and how they are perceived to others.  Having an effective social media management strategy allows for any banks to generate interest in their brand and encourage discussion between satisfied customers.  

There are a number of social media benefits for businesses, these include; 

• Branding – the more impressions a consumer gets of your business, the more likely they will remember and act upon it in the future.  Regardless of the sector, brand awareness is vital for continued success.

• Reputation Management – It is beneficial for a company to know what their customers are saying about them, even if they are not in the conversation.  Having an online presence allows a company to know what their customers are thinking and gives them the opportunity to act accordingly.

• Customer Service and Feedback – Providing support to customers is crucial to the success of a business and social media is no exception to the rule.  If a customer reaches out to a business, it is crucial they respond, regardless if it is positive or negative.  It gives the opportunity to interact with a customer on a personal level, therefore removing the faceless aspect of a phone call or email consultation.

• Competitive Analysis – it is vital a company does not fall behind their competitors.  Social media makes this process easier as it provides completely transparent content from a rival company.  It gives a firm the opportunity to keep tabs on their competitors, noticing any future promotions and how their conversations with consumers.

A great deal of responsibility comes with the implementation of a social media strategy.  Like any strategy in the business world, a poorly managed operation can have a detrimental effect on the company.  Ineffective management can damage the reputation of the company and a great deal of commitment is required to respond to feedback and producing new content for consumers to keep them engaged. 

There are many examples of social media techniques used by retail banks throughout the world that could also be adopted in the UK and Ireland.  An example of a bank using podcasts to engage with consumers is the Bank of Nova Scotia in Canada.  In these podcasts, banking experts are brought together to discuss topics including; global economic reports, perspectives on small business, getting value from your bank account and the Canadian economy.  These podcasts provide their customers with more value from their consumer relationships and a greater insight into the ongoing matters in the banking industry.

These advantages give reason towards carrying out this study.  These are some of the reasons for banks in the UK and Ireland to invest more in their social media strategy.  This research will help indicate what areas need to be improved to ensure the retail banks can gain as much as possible from their social media strategy.  In addition to this, there are no such studies of banks and their use of social media currently.  It represents a very new and topical area and the banking industry represents a key industry to investigate as they are being heavily influenced by technology and the need for developing brand awareness due to the increasing level of competition in the industry.

Blog post by Conor Donnelly (18/08/12)

Twitter: @conorjdonnelly

You can follow my progress throughout my dissertation here:

Facebook: Social Media Banking

Twitter: @SocialMediaBnk

Google+: Conor SMbanking

#SMdiss2012

#SMbanking

PREVIEW: CHRISTY RING CUP 2012 FINAL – LONDON v WICKLOW

By Conor Donnelly

On Saturday 9^th June, the scoreboard in Croke Park will have an unfamiliar look, as the names Londain and Cill Mhantáin will appear side by side for an All-Ireland final.  The Christy Ring Cup final takes place with both sides vying for glory. 

London, newly promoted to the Christy Ring after last year’s Nicky Rackard success, will be hoping to win consecutive All-Ireland titles. Having lost their opening Round 1 fixture away to Meath, the Exiles have recovered with wins over Mayo, Derry and Down to reach this year’s final.

Wicklow, on the other hand, reached the 2011 final only to lose out to Kerry at headquarters.  This year the Garden County have won every Christy Ring fixture leading up to now, with impressive wins over Kerry, Derry and Meath sealing a second successive final appearance.

In the semi final, London played their part in an exciting draw with Down in Newry when they let the Ardsmen claw level to earn a replay in Ruislip.  Many of the “experts” were tipping Down to be too much for boys in green in the replay, however, Eamonn Phelan's men put in a strong display to eventually win by 3 points after extra time.  A major contributor to London’s success this year has been their talisman forward and top scorer Martin Finn.  The former Cork U21 scored a total of 1-9 over the two games with Down and is the competition’s overall top scorer with 4-24 to his name in 5 matches.

Wicklow will be looking to Jonathan O’Neill and Andy O’Brien to bring their semi final scoring form into the final.  The Leinster men will start out as favourites for this encounter, however, Wicklow manager Casey O’Brien has assured the fans that his side won’t let the opportunity slip away after last year’s defeat.  The men in blue and yellow have enjoyed a couple of league successes in recent years, however, a national title has often alluded them.

Paths to the 2012 Christy Ring Final

Wicklow                                         London

ROUND 1                                ROUND 1                                         

5^th May 201                              26^th May 2012

Wicklow 2-20 Kerry 2-15             Meath 4-8 London 3-10

O’Byrne Park, Aughrim                 Pairc Tailteann, Navan

ROUND 2A                                     ROUND 2B

12^TH May 2012                          12^th May 2012

Wicklow 1-18 Derry 2-11             London 2-15 Mayo 3-10

O’Byrne Park, Aughrim                 Emerald GAA Grounds, Ruislip

                                                        QUARTER FINAL                             

                                               19^TH May 2012                            

                                               Derry 1-15 London 3-11                

                                               Celtic Park, Derry                         

SEMI FINAL                                     SEMI FINAL 

26^th May 2012                            26^th May 2012   

Wicklow 3-17 Meath 2-12             Down 1-21 London 1-21

Arklow                                       Pairc Esler, Newry 

                                                          SEMI FINAL REPLAY

                                                  

                                                 2nd June 2012

                                                 London 2-16 Down 2-13

                                                 Emerald GAA Grounds, Ruislip

Wicklow have played 2 games less than London in this year's campaign. Having won the first two rounds, they gained the right to advance directly to the semi final. London on the other hand, had to overcome a tricky quarter final tie in Derry and faced Down twice before sealing their final place.  It remains to be seen whether this is an advantage having gained more match practice or if it will have a draining effect on the Exiles. 

In what promises to be a tight affair, both London and Wicklow will relish their opportunity in the spotlight and will aim to make the most of the occasion.

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Our hashtag for the Christy Ring Cup is #ChristyRing2012
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Blog post by Conor Donnelly (08/06/12)

Follow me on Twitter: @conorjdonnelly
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MATCH REPORT: MCQUILLAN BALLYCASTLE v ST JOSEPH'S BALLYCRAN - ANTRIM ACHL DIV 1 (06/05/12)

Match report I wrote for the County Antrim Post


County Antrim Post Division 1 Hurling League

County Down side Ballycran made the long trip up to the North Coast looking for their first win of the season against a Ballycastle team which had yet to lose in this year’s league campaign.

In their changed kit of all black due to the colour clash, Ballycastle flew out of the blocks in the first couple of minutes and went close to opening the scoring through Conor McGarry, who struck wide after collecting a cross field ball from left half back Neal McAuley.  The McQuillan men didn’t have to wait long until their first score, after initial good play from corner back Paul McLernon, Ballycastle were awarded a free just inside the Ballycran 65’.  Malachy Dallas stepped up to open the scoring for the “town”. The visitors weren’t long getting their first score either as a clearance from the Ballycran defence found their left half forward who took a step out towards the sideline and stroked over a long range score left sided to level the sides after 5 minutes of play.

Coming up to 10 minute mark and the game was becoming a midfield battle.  That was until Ballycastle centre half forward James McShane outmuscled his marker and delivered a long ball into the left hand corner to an on running Saul McCaughan.  McCaughan then rounded his marker and struck the ball over the bar to push his side back into the lead.  Ballycastle were beginning to assert their authority on the game and won yet another free just inside the Ballycran half in front of the goals.  Dallas stepped up again to send the ball over the bar to stretch his side’s lead even further. 

Ballycran weren’t gaining much success in their forward line as Ballycastle’s back line stood strong to soak up any pressure brought upon them.  Wing half backs Shane Staunton and Neal McAuley were breaking up play and beginning their own attacks, delivering dangerous cross field balls into the forwards.  This led to Saul McCaughan adding his second point of the game as he collected a long ball in front of his marker and, after a mazy run, stroked the ball over the bar for his side’s fourth of the day.

Dallas then added to his tally with another pointed free from 21 yards out.  The Ballycran full back was coming out of defence only to be met by a crunching shoulder from James McShane knocking him to the ground.  Sustained pressure from the Ballycastle forward line resulted in the St Joseph’s full back throwing the ball to a teammate resulting in a free.

After 18 minutes Ballycran began to come back into the game, and got their second score of the day from a dead ball out on the right hand side, just inside the Ballycastle half.  The free was pointed to leave the Down side 3 points in arrears.

A block from James McShane on the Ballycran centre half back almost led to a goal for the home side.  Conor McGarry pounced on the loose ball and ran at the Ballycran defence.  His pass found McCaughan, who saw his goal bound effort blocked in a crowded penalty area by the St Joseph’s defence.  From the resulting clearance, the away team found themselves back on the score sheet.  The Ballycran wing half back turned and struck first time over the bar from just inside the Ballycastle 65’ to edge his team closer to levelling the scores.  Ballycran were enjoying more of the ball leading up to half time and almost got a goal from range but for excellent fielding from Ballycastle goal keeper, Raymond McMullan.

Two minutes before half time, Ballycastle responded in the best possible fashion.  The ball was worked up the left hand side by Dermot Donnelly and Neal McAuley and delivered low into Saul McCaughan.  The young forward, like so often in this game, turned his marker and ran towards the goals.  From a tight angle he popped the ball over to take his team’s tally to 6 points.  However, it wasn’t to be the last score of the half as Ballycran pointed after an initial block from Ballycastle full back Michael Dallat on the 45’ line.  Two goal chances were then created by the visitors. Firstly, the Ballycran corner forward ran through on the left hand side of the 21’ only to see his effort stopped by the ‘castle keeper.  Shortly after, Ballycran found themselves through on goal yet again, only for Michael Dallat to get back and flick the ball away superbly as he was about to strike to the net.  It proved to be the last act of the half as the home team went in 2 points to the good.

Half time Score: McQuillan Ballycastle 0-6 St Joseph’s Ballycran 0-4

Half time saw the introduction of Conall Brown for Conor McGarry to switch things up in the Ballycastle forward line.  The opening score of the second half was from the Antrim men as wing half forward Chrissy Boyle got in on the scoring act.  The ball was delivered by Neal McAuley from left half back diagonally onto James McLister who flicked the ball into the path of Boyle to strike over the bar.

Both sides then went on to exchange points as neither team could stamp their authority on the game.  Ballycran added a further point from a free on the 65’ to narrow the gap between the sides to just 2 points.

Ballycastle, feeling the pressure of only holding a 2 point lead, created a goal opportunity out of nothing.  A long ball by Neal McAuley found its way into the path of James McLister, whose goal bound effort along on the ground from 20 yards was well saved by the ‘cran keeper.  Shortly after, the town stretched their lead to 3 points from a free on the 21’.  Saul McCaughan, who was on the end of some heavy treatment from the Ballycran defence all day, broke away from his marker only to receive a late slap from an on rushing defender.  Dallas then stepped up to strike the ball high over the bar to give his side a 3 point cushion on 48 minutes.

St Joseph’s, for the first time since the beginning of the game, levelled the scoring with a finely taken goal.  A break down in play between the Ballycastle forwards resulted in a clearance down the left hand side of the field.  The ‘cran full forward gained possession inside the 45’ to go on a run through the McQuillan defence and left the keeper with no chance with a firm effort into the bottom corner of the net.

The North Antrim men didn’t feel sorry for themselves, and immediately restored their lead with a free from Dallas after initial good play by Chrissy Boyle on the right flank.  However, the Ballycran full forward levelled the scores yet again with a point from just inside the 45’ to add to his earlier goal.

The next period of play saw Ballycastle up the pressure as they scored 1-2 within three minutes.  Two pointed frees from Dallas preceded a goal from Ballycastle full forward James McLister.  The young forward received a long range clearance from Neal McAuley, before turning the full back and rifling the ball into the back of the net.  The goal came just at the right time for the town as they headed into the last 5 minutes of the game with the lead.

Ballycran clawed a point back before earning a free on the 21’ right in front of the Ballycastle goals.  The goal bound effort was turned away from goal by the McQuillan defence and cleared from the danger area to force the Down side back up the field.  The last act of the game was a pointed free from Dallas just inside the Ballycran 45’.  Stephen McAfee brilliantly caught a high ball in the middle of the field, as he did on a number of occasions this game, and sent Saul McCaughan through on goal.  He was again pulled down, allowing Ballycastle to seal their victory with the final score of the game.

Final score: McQuillan Ballycastle 1-13 St Joseph’s Ballycran 1-8

McQuillan Ballycastle: 1. Raymond. McMullan; 2. Paul McLernon, 3. Michael Dallat, 4. Dermot Donnelly; 5. Shane Staunton, 6. Kieran Kelly, 7. Neal McAuley; 8. Stephen McAfee, 9. Eoin McAlonan; 10. Malachy Dallas (0-8f), 11. James McShane, 12. Chris Boyle (0-1); 13. Conor McGarry,14. James McLister (1-0), 15. Saul McCaughan (0-4)

Subs:

18. Fergus Donnelly for 10. Malachy Dallas (15mins – Blood Sub)

22. Conall Brown for 13. Conor McGarry (Half Time)

Man of the match: A number of players stood out in this game.  Stephen McAfee fielded great ball around the midfield, Saul McCaughan proved to be a constant thorn in the Ballycran defence and Malachy Dallas was prolific from dead ball situations.  However, left half back Neal McAuley stood out from the rest.  Not only did he perform a number of vital blocks and catches, but he started the majority of his side’s attacking play through a number of precise passes into the full forward line and created openings for his team mates to take advantage of.

Ballycastle Fouls: 16

Ballycran Fouls: 13

Referee: Eamon Hasson

By Conor Donnelly (06/05/12)

PREVIEW: CHRISTY RING CUP 2012

Blog post I wrote for GAA Scores

This year’s Christy Ring Cup sees eight teams battling it out for All-Ireland glory.  The second tier All-Ireland Championship begins on the 5^th May with 4 fixtures taking place.  All four provinces are represented in this year’s Championship with Derry, Down, Kerry, Kildare, London, Mayo, Meath and Wicklow all taking part.  This year’s competition sees a double elimination format being used, therefore, each team will play at least two games before being knocked out.

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Wicklow v Kerry (O’Byrne Park, Aughrim)

Wicklow League Form: DDLLDW

Kerry League Form: LLWWL

Last year’s finalists Wicklow enter the championship having finished second bottom in Division 2B.  A disappointing league campaign saw the Garden county finish without a win, drawing 3 and losing two of their league games.  Only after a relegation play-off victory over Down did Wicklow confirm their place in Division 2B for next season.  Considering their league form, the Leinster men have it all to do if they are to have an impact against reigning champions Kerry.  The Kingdom hurlers enjoyed two victories out of five games in their league campaign including a 2-22 to 1-12 victory over their Round 1 opponents and a comfortable 15 point victory over Down in Killarney.  Having already defeated Wicklow in O’Byrne Park this year, the Munster men will have every bit of confidence heading into this Round 1 tie.

GAA Scores Verdict – Kerry

Follow Wicklow on Twitter here: @WicklowGAA

Follow Kerry on Twitter here: @Kerry_Official

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Mayo v Down (McHale Park, Castlebar)

Mayo League Form: WDLLW

Down League Form: LDLLL

Mayo had a comfortable league campaign winning two, drawing one and losing two of their games to finish in third position in Division 2B.  In last season’s Chrisy Ring, the Westerners lost both of their games against Wicklow and Kildare respectively. However, with positive results against Roscommon and league Champions Kildare this year, the Mayo hurlers can look forward to their opening fixture against a Down side who endured a truly miserable season in Division 2A.  The Ardsmen gained only a single point all campaign with a draw against Wicklow, the same side who then condemned them to life in Division 2B next season in the relegation play-off.  In Paul Braniff, Down have an outlet that will put the points on the board for their side. Although, a leaky defence that shipped a total of 11 goals in Division 2A this year proves to be a weakness that their opponents will look to expose.  However, despite their frailties, they should have enough about them to see off the threat of Mayo and proceed to Round 2A.

GAA Scores Verdict – Down

Follow Down on Twitter here: @OfficialDownGAA

Follow Mayo on Twitter here: @MayoGAA

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Derry v Kildare (Celtic Park, Derry)

Derry League Form: DLWLW

Kildare League Form: WWWWLW

Derry, the highest ranked league team in the competition, will take on Division 2B champions Kildare in this opening round tie which promises to be a competitive encounter.  After drawing their opening game in Wicklow, the Oak leaf men went on to record two wins and two defeats to finish third place in the table.  A result which will stands out for Derry is their emphatic 6 point win over their Ulster counterparts Down in Newry, which put the Ardsmen in real danger of suffering relegation to Division 2B.  Kildare make the long journey to the North West to take on their opponents full of confidence after their Division 2B league win.  The Lilywhite hurlers will be arriving at Celtic Park with nothing other than a victory in their thoughts with the intention of going one further than their semi final finish in last year’s competition.  In this evenly matched tie Kildare will begin as outsiders but don’t be surprised if the Leinster men provide an upset in Celtic Park.

GAA Scores Verdict – Kildare

Follow Derry on Twitter here: @DoireGAA

Follow Kildare on Twitter: @KildareHurling

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Meath v London (Pairc Tailteann, Navan)

Meath League Form: LDWWWL

London League Form: WLLWL

This opening round tie in Navan sees Division 2B league finalists Meath, take on newly promoted 2011 Nick Rackard champions London, who endured a mixed league campaign.  The Royal County endured a difficult start which saw them lose and draw their opening two games.  However, a run of three straight victories, including victory in Ruislip against their Round 1 opponents, earned them a league final place against Kildare at Croke Park, where they went on to lose 3-13 to 1-12.  London’s two league victories came on home soil and it remains to see whether the exiles will be able to test a Meath side that showed improvement as the league campaign went on.  Having already defeated London this year, Meath should have enough quality to win this Round 1 tie.

GAA Scores Verdict – Meath

Follow Meath on Twitter: @MeathGAA

Follow London on Twitter: @OfficialLondonG

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Our GAA Scores hashtag for this year’s Christy Ring Cup will be #ChristyRing2012

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Blog post by Conor Donnelly (04/05/12)

Follow me on Twitter: @conorjdonnelly

Follow GAA Scores on Twitter: @GAAScores

Like GAA Scores on Facebook: GAA Scores

PREVIEW: ULSTER SENIOR HURLING CHAMPIONSHIP 2012

Blog post I wrote for GAA Scores

This year’s Ulster Senior Hurling Championship sees only 4 teams taking part.  An unorthodox format of one quarter final and one semi final has been adopted for this year’s Championship with Antrim receiving a bye straight to the final.  Antrim, who also participate in the Leinster Hurling Championship, are strong favourites to win their 11^th provincial title in a row on July 8^th.

Ulster Senior Hurling Championship 2012 Draw

Quarter Final (17/06/12):

Armagh v Derry

Semi Final (01/07/12):

Armagh/Derry v Down

Final (08/07/12):

Antrim v Armagh/Derry/Down

Antrim had a mixed campaign in Division 1B with 2 wins and 3 defeats.  Home successes against Wexford and Laois along with defeats to Clare, Limerick and Offaly saw the Glensmen finish on 4 points in 4^th place.  Due to their victory over Wexford they finished above the Yellowbellies, who also had 4 points, due to the head-to-head ruling, therefore avoiding a relegation play off with Laois.  The never-say-die attitude Antrim showed against Laois to come back and win when staring defeat in the face demonstrates the potential of this young Antrim side that realistically should be too strong for any of their Ulster counterparts. 

You can follow Antrim GAA on Twitter here: @ClubAontroma

Antrim League Form: WLLWL

Allianz NHL Division 1B

Team	Pld	W	D	L	F	A	Diff	Pts
Clare	5	5	0	0	10-98	3-75	44	10
Limerick	5	3	1	1	9-95	8-81	17	7
Offaly	5	2	1	2	8-98	8-83	15	5
Antrim	5	2	0	3	5-65	7-73	-14	4
Wexford	5	2	0	3	9-87	10-91	-7	4
Laois	5	0	0	5	6-74	11-109	-50	0

Derry and Down both took part in Division 2A with varying successes.  After drawing their opening game in Wicklow, Derry went on to record two wins and two defeats to finish third place in the table.  A result which will stands out for Derry is their emphatic 6 point win over their Ulster counterparts Down in Newry, which put the Ardsmen in real danger of suffering relegation to Division 2B.  Derry can be happy with their league campaign as they consolidated their position with relative ease. 

On the other hand, Down had a nightmare league campaign.  Heavy defeats to Carlow and Kerry along with a home draw with Wicklow saw them finish rock bottom of the table with 1 point.  Defeat to Wicklow in the relegation play off condemned the Ardsmen to Division 2B to compile a miserable league season.  Down will look to regroup ahead of their Ulster Championship semi final against the winners of the Armagh/Derry tie to give their supporters something to cheer about this season.

You can follow Derry on Twitter here: @DoireGAA and Down here: @OfficialDownGAA

Derry League Form: DLWLW

Down League Form: LDLLL

Allianz NHL Division 2A

Team	Pld	W	D	L	F	A	Diff	Pts
Carlow	5	4	1	0	8-86	4-58	40	9
Westmeath	5	4	0	1	10–94	9-68	29	8
Derry	5	2	1	2	4-71	7-75	-13	5
Kerry	5	2	0	3	11-77	2-87	17	4
Wicklow	5	0	3	2	2–64	9-74	-31	3
Down	5	0	1	4	7-72	11-102	-42	1

Despite two victories against Roscommon and Mayo, Armagh were on the receiving end of some heavy criticism from their league campaign.  The real talking point was the 7-30 to 0-7 defeat to Division 2B champions Kildare in Newbridge, a game in which Armagh made a number of changes to their team.  Many quarters of the media claimed the Orchard men were damaging the integrity of the league.  Victory against whipping boys Roscommon ensured Armagh finished second bottom in a forgettable league campaign for the Orchard men.  The 2011 Ulster Hurling Finalists will look to their quarter final fixture with Derry on June 17^th as a way to prove their critics wrong.  Hurling in Armagh has been showing signs of improvement recently with their hurling teams appearing in the 2011 Ulster Senior final, 2010 and 2011 U21 finals and the 2010 Minor final.  Club side Middletown also proudly represented their County by reaching the All-Ireland Intermediate Hurling Championship Final in Croke Park this year before losing to Mount Leinster Rangers of Carlow.

You can follow Armagh GAA on Twitter here: @Armagh_GAA

Armagh League Form: LWWLL

Allianz NHL Division 2B

Team	Pld	W	D	L	F	A	Diff	Pts
Kildare	5	4	0	1	13-104	2-68	69	8
Meath	5	3	1	1	7-74	5-50	30	7
Mayo	5	2	1	2	6-69	5-84	-12	5
London	5	2	0	3	7-75	6-74	4	4
Armagh	5	2	0	3	1-66	12-95	-62	4
Roscommon	5	1	0	4	7-68	11-85	-29	2

GAA Scores’ Winner: It’s hard to look past Antrim retaining their Ulster crown.  The experience the Saffrons have gained from competing alongside accomplished sides such as Offaly and Clare will stand them in good stead when they take to the field for the final on July 8^th.

GAA Scores’ Surprise Package: Having enjoyed a comfortable league campaign in Division 2A, Derry will be one to look out for.  Their quarter final match up with Armagh is by no means a foregone conclusion.  Last year’s Ulster finalists will have their work cut out when dealing with the scoring threat of Paddy Henry and Ruiari Convery who each enjoyed prolific league campaigns respectively.  They may not win the championship, but Derry have the talent to hurt Armagh and Down as they bid to reach the Ulster Senior Hurling Final for the first time since 2003.

Most Ulster SHC wins: Antrim (51) Derry (4) Down (4) Donegal (3) Monaghan (2)

GAA Scores' official hashtag for this year’s Ulster Senior Hurling Championship will be#UlsterSHC.  In addition to this, the Ulster GAA Council (@UlsterGAA) have their own hashtag #Ulster2012 for all Ulster GAA issues for this season.

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Blog post by Conor Donnelly (23/04/12)

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