Antrim Junior Hurling Plate Final
Latharna Og 3-11 Ardoyne 0-13
Paul McIntyre reports from Páric Eánna.
Anthony O’Neill’s goal eight minutes from helped clinch the Junior Hurling Plate for Latharna Og against a gallant Ardoyne side at Páric Eánna on Sunday afternoon.
The North Belfast side were enjoying their best spell of the game and had scored the last six of seven scores before substitute O’Neill drove high into the net after the sliotar fell invitingly for him after Cónall McAteer got a touch on JP Agnew’s clearance.
The Larne side kicked on from that major to close the game out with the next three scores to seal a seven point win.
After the final whistle both squads waited for the presentation, however no one from the Antrim County Board was present and no such presentation took place.
It was a shame that after such a competitive game of hurling in a final that their efforts weren’t acknowledged by the county board.
Latharna Og started the much brighter, and after Conor Matthews opened the scoring after 50 seconds, Michael Lismore shot to the net after a deft touch from full forward McAteer put him in the clear.
But Ardoyne came straight back.
Oisin McVicker shot wide with the goal at his mercy, but two points from Pearse Hull brought the Kickhams back into contention.
After Phil McKendry and Hull exchanged scores, Latharna Og extended their lead further on 27 minutes with the games second major.
McKendry’s long ball into the Ardoyne goal mouth was misjudged by Agnew and the sliotar sailed straight to the net and at half time the Larne men were well in control as they lead 2-5 to 0-5.
McVicker and Hull registered two quick points for Ardoyne at the start of the second half but Lismore and a Keelan McAuley restored their six point advantage by the 36th minute.
A great save from Agnew denied Latharna Og from extending their lead further in the 38th minute when he saved from Lismore.
It not only kept Ardoyne in the game but also the trigger for their best spell in the game.
Hull added a point from play while midfielder David Saunders also registered his name on the scoresheet as the gap was reduced to a single point and those in attendance were all set for a grandstand finish.
However, with eight minutes remaining O’Neill found the net for Latharna Og and the North East Antrim side kicked on to close the game out with minimal fuss.
Teams and Scorers:
Latharna Og: Anthony Berry, Thomas Carson, Barry Petticrew, Darren Martin, Mark Petticrew (0-1), Cathal McKillop (0-1), Caolán Shields, Ryan O’Donnell, Phil McKendry (1-1), Jack McAlister, Conor Matthews (0-2), Conor O’Boyle, Michael Lismore (1-1), Conall McAteer (1-1 1f), Keelan McAuley (0-3f).
Subs: Ciaran Mulvenna for O’Boyle (38), Anthony O’Neill (1-1) for McAlister (44).
Ardoyne: J.P. Agnew, Sean McGearty, Paul Baker, Martin McLaughlin, Aran Stewart, Pascal Clarke, Caolán Wallace, David Saunders (0-1), Paul McGuigan, Pearse Hull (0-9 7f), Enda Slattery, Matt McKillen, Jim Og McAuley, Oisin McVicker (0-3 1f), Sean Searle.
Subs: Ciaran Corr for McKillen (HT), Stephen Hill for Stewart (40). Paul O’Halloran for McGuigan (58).
Referee: Mr Eamonn Hamill.