Photographs: Elaine Kelly
Antrim ladies end of year event took place at the Europa hotel in Belfast at the beginning of October. The night was to celebrate the senior ladies success throughout 2023.
History had been made not once but twice by this amazing group of talented athletes.
In April the team won the Division 4 National league final for the first time in Antrim’s history gaining promotion to Divison 3. Their journey in Division 3 will begin on January 21st.
The ladies now on a high from their league success continued building momentum and confidence going into the Ulster Intermediate Championship. Firstly winning against an experienced Monaghan side which again added to the girls belief that the Ulster Intermediate title wasn’t a pipedream and it wasn’t. The team met Tyrone in the final in what was an exciting encounter at Owenbeg. On a sunny day the squad sent shockwaves to everyone showing their fitness, skill and amazing teamwork throughout. History again was made. Antrim had never won a game at this level before never mind take home the silverware. The sky was the limit. The girls were still developing, learning and steadily progressing each week. All Ireland series now to come. With nothing to fear and everyone now taking notice of the saffron wave coming along the girls again stepped up another level. Winning against one of the favourites Westmeath in their own backyard then going on to beat Longford in Cargin to set up home advantage for an All Ireland Quarter Final against Monaghan. The support at Davitt’s was immense and the girls again rose to the occasion setting up a semi-final against Clare.
Clare were just a step too far for us, but this was the most disappointed the squad had been as they knew it was the one which got away with a slow start the first 10minutes being the difference.
The girls all received their winner’s medals from Division 4 and Ulster and were presented with their Black Antrim Jersies which were worn for the first time against Clare.
Overall what a season 2023 was for the Antrim Senior Ladies and expectations for continued success in 2024 will be high.
