U20 hurlers recover from slow start to beat Meath

Leinster Under 20 Hurling Challenge

Report by Paul McLean – Pics by ET Photgraphy

Antrim U20 Hurlers overcame yet another sluggish opening period on Saturday afternoon to run out resounding winners against the 2021 U20 All-Ireland ‘B’ Champions, Meath in a challenge game at Meath GAA Centre of Excellence.

The home team had the upper hand in the opening exchanges, dominating the middle third and punishing the young Saffrons from long range and they continued this strong start in the 15th minute when they rattled the net to move 1-05 to 0-03 ahead.

An Antrim reshuffle saw Christy McGarry move out the field and this began to reap its rewards as the young Loughgiel star brought intensity and urgency to the middle third.

Through the industry of McGarry and the hard working Tiernan Smyth, the Saffrons began to break down the Meath defence and go on to gain a foothold during the remaining period of the half. Rian McMullan then volleyed to the net on the 24th minute, to put the Saffrons ahead by 1-08 to 1-05 at the short whistle.

Seamus McAuley who scored 1-4 from ‘placed balls’

Antrim opened the second half with renewed vigour and a real sense of purpose. The introduction of Daire Murphy added steel and guile to the Antrim attack and with Enda Óg McGarry and Daire McMullan dominating the half back line, Antrim capitalised with goals from Rian McMullan (his second), Christy McGarry, Eoin McFerran and a Seamus McAuley penalty to put the game well beyond Meath.

It is another impressive victory for the young Saffrons who showed some excellent passages of play and examples of skill but most impressive of all was the hunger and desire right they showed right until the end despite the game being well over after 45 minutes.

They look forward to Dublin at home on Saturday 26th February in Dunsilly GAA for the next Leinster Challenge Game.