Dr McKenna Cup- Group C
Antrim 0-7 Donegal 1-15
Venue: Erin’s Own, Cargin (Toomebridge)
It was a difficult afternoon for Mark Doran’s Antrim side as they fell to a heavy 1-15 to 0-7 defeat against Donegal in punishing conditions at Erin’s Own, Cargin.
Coming off the back of a tough second-half collapse against Derry, the Saffrons were hoping to restore some pride on home turf. However, faced with tricky underfoot conditions and Donegal despite fielding an experimental side, proved too strong for Antrim, who struggled to find their rhythm, ultimately succumbing to an 11-point loss.
Slow Start in the Rain
The game began in miserable, wet conditions which made flowing football nearly impossible. Antrim found themselves on the back foot immediately, with Donegal racing into an early lead thanks to a two-point free from Gavin Mulreany.
While the visitors dominated early possession, they were wasteful, kicking four consecutive wides. This offered Antrim a lifeline, but the hosts failed to capitalize initially. Paul Bradley found himself at the end of the Saffrons’ best move of the opening quarter but dragged his shot wide, while efforts from Pat Shivers and Ryan McQuillan also failed to trouble the scoreboard.
It took 18 minutes for Antrim to finally register their first score—breaking a worrying drought that stretched back to the first half of the Derry game—with Pat Shivers pointing to settle the nerves.
Keeping in Touch
Goalkeeper John McNabb proved vital in keeping Antrim in contention during the first half. In the 21st minute, he produced a smart save to deny Donegal’s Mark Curran, who had unleashed a soccer-style effort. Shortly after, Shivers converted a free to leave just the minimum between the sides at 0-2 to 0-3.
However, Antrim couldn’t maintain the pressure. Despite Shivers causing problems for the Donegal defence, the visitors began to find their range with points from Jason McGee and Shea Malone.
Ryan McQuillan did manage to find space to score a well-taken point in stoppage time of the first half, but in a recurring theme of the day, Donegal responded immediately through Conor McCahill.
Half-Time: Antrim 0-3 Donegal 0-7
Second Half Struggles
Antrim started the second period with renewed intent. Ryan McQuillan slotted a free to reduce the deficit to three, and although Hugh McFadden replied for Donegal, Paddy McBride hit back with a well-taken score in the 41st minute to make it 0-5 to 0-10.
Whatever hope Antrim had of mounting a comeback was effectively extinguished in the 51st minute. Donegal substitute Eoin McGeehin reacted quickest to a rebound to net the game’s only goal, followed instantly by a Kevin Muldoon point. Suddenly, the gap was nine, and the game was effectively over as a contest.
A Local Consolation
One of the few bright sparks for the home support came in the 56th minute. Cargin’s own Sean O’Neill, playing on his club pitch, curled over a fine point for Antrim—a moment of quality in a difficult half.
However, Antrim could not bridge the gap. Pat Shivers added a late free—his third score of the day—in injury time, but it was mere consolation. Donegal finished with a flourish, landing a two-point score via Seanán Carr to seal a comprehensive victory.
It leaves Antrim with plenty to ponder ahead of the National League, as the Dr McKenna Cup campaign ends without a win though the quality of opposition they will be facing in Division 4 will a fair bit short of what Derry and Donegal had on show this week
Scorers for Antrim
- Pat Shivers: 0-3 (2f)
- Ryan McQuillan: 0-2 (1f)
- Paddy McBride: 0-1
- Sean O’Neill: 0-1
Antrim Lineup
ANTRIM: John McNabb; Kavan Keenan, Kevin McCann, Eoghan McCabe; Ruairi Hagan, Joseph Finnegan, Marc Jordan; John Carron, Kevin Small; Patrick McBride, Conor Small, Paul Bradley; Pat Shivers, Ryan McQuillan, Oisin Doherty.
DONEGAL: G Mulreany; M Curran, C McColgan, U Doherty; P O’Hare, D MacGiolla Bhríde, M Campbell; J McGhee, H McFadden (C); C Moore, T Carr, O Caulfield; C McCahill, K Gallagher, S Malone. Subs: D Ó Baoill for C Moore, F Roarty for C McColgan, K Muldoon for O Caulfield, C Gallagher
Referee – Barry McMenamin (Cavan)
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