National Hurling League – Division 1B

Kildare 3-20 Antrim 0-20 at Newbridge

Kildare delivered a clinical performance at Newbridge to leave Antrim still searching for their first win of the National Hurling League Division 1B campaign. Despite traveling south with a sense of optimism that this fixture could provide a turning point for their season, the Saffrons were ultimately outclassed by a home side that seized control during a devastating third-quarter blitz.

The opening half was a tightly contested affair, defined by scoring bursts from both sides. Antrim’s Seaan Elliott and Ryan McCambridge were influential early on, keeping the scoreboard ticking over from both placed balls and open play. However, Kildare showed superior efficiency, particularly through Jack Sheridan (13) and Muiris Curtin (14). While Antrim managed to claw back a deficit with the final three points of the half to trail by just three, Kildare’s ability to find scores from across the pitch—including contributions from defenders like Paul Dolan (5) and Daire Guerin (7)—sent a warning sign of the depth of their threat.

The game was effectively decided in a whirlwind eight-minute spell following the restart. Kildare emerged with renewed intensity, and Muiris Curtin became the architect of Antrim’s downfall. Following the opening goal from James Dolan, full-forward Curtin bagged two spectacular goals, in just over a minute, including a low-driven shot to the corner in the 48th minute that left the visitors reeling. This scoring spree, coupled with accurate frees from Sheridan, saw the Lilywhites pull 14 points clear. The Antrim defence, despite the efforts of Paddy Burke and Niall O’Connor, simply could not contain the wave of Kildare attacks during this decisive period.

To their credit, Antrim dominated the final quarter as they sought to bridge the massive gap. Seaan Elliott continued his prolific form, finishing the day as his side’s primary marksman with scores from frees, 65s, and open play. Late points from Eoin O’Neill and long-range efforts from Elliott showed the Saffrons’ spirit, but the damage had already been done. Kildare’s substitutes, including Conn Kehoe, added late points to ensure there was no way back. As the final whistle blew, Kildare celebrated a comprehensive victory, while Antrim were left to reflect on a difficult afternoon where a breeze at their backs was no match for Kildare’s clinical goal-scoring power.

When they lost out to Wexford and Clare in the opening game the feeling was that things would turn around when they faced what would be classed the lesser teams in the division. They were desperately unlucky against Wexford and should have had two points on the board from that game, but points are going to be hard to come by in their next outings against Carlow and Dublin and survival in Division 1B is going to be hard to achieve.

Kildare Paddy McKenna, Liam O’Reilly, Rian Boran, Dan O’Meara, Paul Dolan, Cian Boran, Daire Guerin, Simon Leacy, Conan Boran, Cathal McCabe, Cathal Dowling, Jack Travers, Jack Sheridan, Muiris Curtin, and Gerry Keegan.

Antrim D. Nugent, N. O’Connor, P. Burke, R. McCormick, S. Rooney, J. Maskey, G. Walsh, R. McCambridge, E. O’Neill, R. Donaghy, S. Elliott, S. Duffin, C. Johnston, J. McNaughton, and C. Cunning.

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