Antrim v Tyrone Ulster U16 Championship Rd1 1st March 2025
Antrim v Tyrone Match report from Sinead McKeever and photos from Antrim Camogie PRO Michael Corcoran at Glen Rovers GAA Club, Armoy
Antrim U15s field as Antrim’s second team and compete in the Ulster Camogie U16 Shield Championship.
Antrim’s U15 camogie team stepped up to the challenge of competing in the U16 Shield Camogie Championship, facing a physically strong Tyrone U16 side. Despite the age gap, the Antrim girls displayed skill, determination, and exceptional teamwork, dominating from the opening whistle and securing a resounding victory.
First Half: Fast Start and Early Dominance
From the outset, Antrim imposed themselves on the game, using their speed and sharp passing to break through Tyrone’s defence. The team’s movement off the ball was impressive, with players finding space and linking up efficiently to create scoring opportunities.
Clíodhna McKeever and Rose McMullan were instrumental in attack, constantly providing passing options and knocking the ball over the bar or into the net. McKeever scored 2-6, while McMullan scored 3-5.
Caoilfhionn McShane positioned herself exceptionally well in space, covered a lot of ground, and assisted and took many scores.
Antrim’s backline, led by Caitlin Graffin, Roisin Brady, and Annie Convery in the half line, held firm against Tyrone’s efforts to counterattack. Graffin and Brady put in a series of crucial blocks and 50/50 challenges, while Convery controlled the backline with composure, ensuring Tyrone’s forwards were kept at bay.
By halftime, Antrim’s dominance was reflected in the scoreline: 4-16 to 0-1, with all but one point coming from open play.
Second Half: Relentless Pressure and Clinical Finishing
If Tyrone had hoped to mount a second-half comeback, those hopes were quickly dashed. Antrim came out even stronger after the break, showing no signs of slowing down. The team’s fluid attacking play continued, with Ellie Lynn and Jane Feetham taking control of possession and distributing the ball intelligently. Some fine scores came from their work rate.
Lynn’s ability to win the ball and deliver quickly put massive pressure on the Tyrone defence, while Feetham’s quick passing helped maintain Antrim’s attacking tempo.
Up front, the forward unit was ruthless, showing strength in the rucks, ensuring Antrim maintained possession in key areas. Charlotte McNaughton, Eva McCann, and Caoimhe Cunningham worked hard to create scoring opportunities and applied constant pressure on the Tyrone defenders.
Defensively, Antrim’s work rate remained high, with Martin, O’Kane, and Neeson showing great presence in the backs. A penalty was awarded in the last quarter for Tyrone’s goal. However, the defensive line quickly regrouped, ensuring Tyrone had little opportunity to build on that score.
As the game progressed, Antrim continued to find gaps in the Tyrone defence. The combination of pace, accurate passing, and clinical finishing resulted in a phenomenal score, with only one point coming from a free.
Thanks to Glen Rovers for the use of their pitch today. The Antrim girls meet Down in their next game on March 15th.
Photos from today’s game can be found in the photo album here…
https://myalbum.com/album/uomye7PCxtsMtQ/?invite=ce7a2039-b5bb-4c35-a12b-1640f8de5493