Allianz Hurling League Division One – Group B
Sunday 6th February
Kilkenny 2-15 Antrim 3-9
So near yet so far. Antrim came to Nowlan Park and gave Kilkenny their fill of it and more for long periods in their back yard but ultimately came up short. Three points separated the sides in a contest that produced some excellent hurling despite the tough weather conditions with a swirling wind and a surface that was far from the carpet like texture Nowlan Park has been famed for in recent times.
Antrim had good support at the game with the U17’s and U20 panels making the journey following a training weekend in Offaly (u17s) and Tipperary (u20s). A total of 95 players involved in games in the south, another sign that Antrim are backing the plans laid for the development of the future stars.
The Saffrons hurled with the wind at their back in the opening half and made a dream start. Keelan Molloy splitting the posts with barely 30 seconds on the clock, belittling the rumours surrounding his fitness before the game before Seaan Elliott scored the first goal of the game just three minutes later. Collecting a delivery from Niall McKenna before sidestepping his defender and firing beyond Darren Brennan in the Kilkenny goals.
The Saffrons couldn’t capitalise however and manager Darren Gleeson bemoaned that fact when we spoke with him after the game: “There’s a level of frustration there. In the first half when we had the elements, we got a great start but only scored another five points after the first seven or eight minutes.
“We were wasteful, so were Kilkenny in slippery conditions. The underfoot conditions were not like Nowlan Park. It’s been the best pitch in the country for the last few years going by the awards anyway.
“But everyone was playing on the same surface. I’m disappointed we didn’t make the most of our purple patch when we had it. They had their purple patch after half time and went seven points up. We came back at them hard.
“We were getting scores but we were getting them on their own. When teams score 1-2 or 1-3 against us, we only reply with the odd score. We got our purple patch with a goal and they responded with two points. That’s the type of thing we need to be doing, putting a patch of scores together.”
Antrim had last minute calls on the fitness of players and some key individuals missing and while Kilkenny were missing their Ballyhale contingent, the Saffrons performed admirably and on another day could have been leaving with the league points. Gleeson admitted: “20 people got to the field and it’s not for the lack of effort you know.
“We lost a few lads coming into the game, Michael Bradley and Keelan (Molloy) was 50/50 and put in a decent shift but look a few new lads come in and did well.
“Kilkenny got the points and that’s all that matters. You can dress it up all you want but we have to look forward now. We have a big game next weekend.”
In a contest that was far from what you would call dirty game, referee Patrick Murphy issued 11 yellow cards and gave Niall O’Connor a red late in the game. A decision that puzzled many in attendance. It was clear the Saffron management team were frustrated with the standard of officiating after the game. “Couple of new players, Niall O’Connor very unfortunate to get the two yellow cards today and put in a fine effort for his first game in the competition. Dan (McKernan) had a fine game when he came on and took a point, was busy linking up the play.”
“Kilkenny got the points and that’s all that matters. You can dress it up all you want but we have to look forward now. We have a big game next weekend.”
Antrim manager, Darren Gleeson
Overall, it was another promising performance from Antrim. Kilkenny looked like they were getting away from the Saffrons at the start of the second half, hitting 1-5 without reply before Antrim found some rhythm. Conor Johnston’s goal showcasing his anticipation and speed while presence of mind to unorthodoxly beat the ‘keeper.
There are plenty of positives despite the defeat. In the Walsh Cup Antrim made and spurned numerous goal chances but converted three and while they had other chances, they looked more clinical. Defensively, Gerard Walsh was immense, just like last May in the same venue. His positional sense was excellent and recovery tackles superb while he was ably assisted by Stephen Rooney and Niall O’Connor who was incredibly unlucky to have been red carded when he was.
Neil McManus was at the centre of the majority of the Saffrons attack and had an entertaining afternoon with the Kilkenny defence. He finished top scorer for Antrim with his 1-2 and fully deserved his goal late in the second half while Conal Cunning had a great game playing further out the field and gives Gleeson another option.
It was a bruising encounter and Antrim’s efforts could never be questioned. They will be hoping for the injury table to clear ahead of next Saturday when they welcome Dublin to Corrigan Park but a week can be a long time in hurling.
“People need to get into Corrigan next Saturday and give these lads the support they deserve.”
With restrictions lifted, the newly developed Corrigan Park will open its gates to the country for county hurling for the first time. The Saffron manager had a message for those with saffron blood coursing through their veins: “We need a big crowd out for that game. The Antrim people need to get out to Corrigan Park next Saturday and support this team. We’re getting a lot of support from distance and we need it at the field next weekend. They need to get behind these lads as they’re giving it everything they have for five and six nights a week. People need to get into Corrigan next Saturday and give these lads the support they deserve.”
TEAMS
Antrim: Ryan Elliott; Niall O’Connor, Gerard Walsh, Stephen Rooney; Paddy Burke, Eoghan Campbell, Joe Maskey; Keelan Molloy, James McNaughton; Niall McKenna, Ciaran Clarke, Conal Cunning; Seaan Elliott, Neil McManus, Conor Johnston
Subs: Eoin O’Neill for C Clarke (51); Daniel McKernan for J McNaughton (51); Scott Walsh for P Burke (57); Ryan McCambridge for K Molloy (67); Domhnall Nugent for N McKenna (67)
Scorers: N McManus 1-2 (1f); S Elliott 1-1; C Johnston 1-00; C Clarke 0-3 (3f); E Campbell 0-1; D McKernan 0-1; K Molloy 0-1
Kilkenny: Darren Brennan; Mikey Butler, Conor Delaney, Tommy Walsh; James Maher, Huw Lawlor, David Blanchfield; Mikey Carey, Paddy Deegan; John Donnelly, Padraig Walsh, Tom Phelan; Billy Ryan, Martin Keoghan, James Bergin
Subs: Ciaran Wallace for C Delaney (22); Conor Heary for J Maher (HT); Walter Walsh for J Bergin (HT); Chris Bolger for B Ryan (54)
Scorers: M Keoghan 2-2; T Phelan 0-4 (3f); J Bergin 0-3 (2f); P Walsh 0-3; H Lawlor 0-1; P Deegan 0-1; W Walsh 0-1
Referee: Patrick Murphy (Carlow)
