Antrim Masters 4-21 Down Masters 0-7
Antrim Masters got their 2025 season up and running when they recorded a comprehensive win over Down Masters at a sun kissed Slemish Park in Ballymena on Saturday.
The result was never in doubt as Frank Delargy’s side proved much too fast and fit for their Co. Down counterparts as they raced into a 0-4 to 0-0 lead after 9 minutes.
Michael McCarry, Ryan Boyd, Paddy Cunningham and Barry McMahon were the Antrim marksmen and when Cunningham fisted a McMahon delivery to the net, the Saffrons were in complete control.
Michael McCarry placed Paddy Cunningham for his and his side’s second goal in the 23d minute to move Antrim 2-8 to 0-2 ahead and the home side finished with a flurry of points from McCarry and Cunningham to lead by 16 at the break.
With the strong wind behind them the visitors were expected to put it up to their hosts in the second half but it made little difference as Antrim continued to call the shots.
Michael McCarry, Paddy Cunningham and Michael McCann extended their lead with early points before Declan McLarnon fired home their third goal in the 11th minute to move the saffron 3-17 to 0-4 ahead.
Fergan Sherry added a fourth major, two minutes later with Ryan Boyd, Paddy Cunningham, Michael McCann and Barry McMahon adding late points to see Antrim side coast home.
Antrim had a good 2024 under the management of Frank Delargy and Timmy Connolly, coming up just short of silverware and they have strengthened their panel considerably this term with Michael McCann, Paddy Cunningham, Michael McCarry, Anto Healy and David McAlernon just a few of the new faces who have come on board.
The Antrim Masters management team of Timmy Connolly, Frank Delargy and Karl O’Neill presenta cheque for £500-00 to Paddy McIlwaine who received it on behalf of the Saffron Gael
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