LGFA National League – Division 3
Antrim 1-14 Roscommon 4-6
Antrim needed two results to go their way on Sunday to avoid the drop; they needed to beat visitors Roscommon and needed Sligo to get something from their game against Louth. And at half time the great escape was on with Antrim leading at Lámh Dhearg and Sligo and Louth level in the West.
Sunday’s game was a microcosm of Antrim’s season – a good performance but ultimately pipped at the end. The hosts led almost entirely throughout, with two opening points from Lara Dahunsi and Ellie Murphy before Aimee O’Connor hit back with a free. Two frees for Aoife Taggart were punctuated by Aoife Gavin for the Rossies, but Shauna Walsh raided the green flag to put the visitors in front.
Caitlin Taggart and Theresa Mellon put Antrim back in the lead while Aoife added another, but Sinead Farrell kept the Connacht girls in the chase as Sinead Farrell also hit the net. Eliie Murphy restored Antrim’s dominance though grabbing herself a three-pointer just on the verge of half time and the Saffs went in at the break leading 1-9 to 2-2.
Roscommon opened the scoring in the second period as Gavin slotted over from play but Mellon and Blathín Ní Cathail added further points. With things level in Sligo, it looked as though Antrim might be retaining Division 3 status for next year.
Then came the sucker punch, two quick Roscommon goals, accompanied by the same for Louth in Connacht effectively ended the Ulster girl’s hopes. Final score Antrim 1-14 Roscommon 4-6.
The win saw Roscommon undefeated and they will face Clare in the division final, with both sides already promoted. Antrim will move the other direction, but with such a young team, and not to detract from the performances of those young players, Division 4 will present the opportunity to build and grow for the future.
