Antrim 2-17 Donegal 3-12
Antrim just simply refused to lose this game and trailed from the 2nd minute until taking the lead 2 minutes from the end.
Donegal gave absolutely everything for their county today and certainly bossed the early exchanges with a quick-fire goal after 4 minutes to stretch a lead all the way to half time. To their credit the young Saffs continued to hold firm and chip away at the Tír Conail lead. The accuracy of Erin Stewart’ 0-4 and the brave running of Aoibhean Monaghan, Ruby McErlain and Jojo Darragh kept the Antrim team in touch. Despite the fightback, Antrim shipped another goal just before the break in what should have been a killer blow for Donegal, who lead 2-5 to 0-7.
It would get worse in the early exchanges of the second half with another error allowing Donegal to stretch their lead to 3-8 to 0-9. Then suddenly Antrim started to build on the pressure that Anna Rice and Siobhan McGurk were able to exert at midfield and the tireless work of Chloe Boyd Munce and Seana Bradley. The come back began.
Goals from JoJo Darragh and then from the irrepressible Aoibhean Monaghan saw Antrim take the lead with little over 2 minutes to go.
Antrim continued to press the ball and with Erin Stewart’ scoring a long range free from a very tight angle sealed the victory for the never say die Antrim girls.
In a victory that was built by the unique and powerful team spirit that simply refused to lose it was fitting that every player takes credit for an incredible win.
This will stand to the young saffron team as they now seek back-to-back All Ireland titles at this grade.
Antrim Scores
E Stewart 0-12
J Darragh 1-1
A Monaghan 1-1
A Fitzsimons 0-1
E McAllister 0-1L Scullion 0-1.
