Electric Ireland Minor A Shield All-Ireland Championship
Antrim 5-16 Meath 3-9
Antrim minor camogs booked a semi-final place against Wexford next weekend when they beat Meath by 5-16 to 3-9 in Sunday’s final group game in Armoy. An incredible first half display by the Saffrons saw them go in at the break in complete control, leading by 3-10 to 0-2, and despite the fact they had lost their full forward Mary McArthur to a second yellow card they didn’t look to have anything to worry about.
When they increased their lead to 23 points midway through the second half it appeared to be all one way traffic, but Meath hit a purple patch and three goals and three points in a seven minute spell between the 49th and 56th minute suddenly put a different complexion on things. Without being in any real danger of losing the game Antrim were still rattled, but an Anna McKillop, her third of the game, settle things down again and they went on to win by 13 points.
With the forward line in flying form, Antrim had 2-6 on the board before Meath raised their first flag. Corner forward Anna McKillop lead the line, scoring 2-2, while Kadi McNeill, Mary McArthur, Irlaith McAllister and Cara Boyle were also really sharp, picking off some beautiful scores.
Right half forward Jorja Keogh opened Meath’s account with a point on 17 minutes and midfielder Katie Connolly grabbed another on 25, but Antrim finished the half strongly and were 3-10 to 0-2 in front by the time the referee blew the half time whistle.
A strong stat to the second half by centre forward Orlaith McAlister which saw her grab two quick points and a beautifully taken goal, had the gap out to 21 points and it all seemed like plain sailing for the home team. To their credit Meath never gave up the fight and with their excellent centre back Aoife Carey pushing up front as the extra player, with great support from Kerrie Cole, Katie Connolly and Grace Connolly they started to run at the Antrim defence. Carey started the fightback with a goal from a 20 meter free on 49 minutes and just over minute later Cole got in for goal number two. Centre forward Cole added a brilliant point soon afterwards and when Jorja Keogh batted in a rebound on 56 minutes the Antrim supporters were staring to take nervous glances at the scoreboard.
That was as good as it got for the visitors however as Anna McKillop capped a good individual display with a goal at the other end to settle the nerves and seal a place in next weekend’s semi-final.
ANTRIM
Eimear McGivern, Aoibheann Donnelly, Abi McNeill, Casey Crawford, Shannagh Heggrty, Derbhail Dobbin, Erin Coulter, Janie McIntosh, Cara O’Boyle, Eogna McAllister, Orlaith McAlister, Ciara Connolly, Anna McKillop, Mary McArthur, Kady McNeill.
Subs – Shanna Deery, Amy Ferris, Aishling O’Donnell.
MEATH
Sara Pierse, Sarah Brien, Gracie Greehan, Michelle Brien, Roisin Heaney, Aoife Carey, Alannagh Brady, Grace Connolly, Katie Connolly, Jorja Keogh, Kerrie Cole, Anna Kane, Katie Mulchrone, Ella O’Brien, Laura Kelly.
