Leinster Under-20 Hurling Championship – Tier 2
Venue: Co Laois
Final Score: Antrim 3-22 | Kerry 0-14
The Antrim under-20 hurlers continued their formidable run in the Tier 2 Leinster Under-20 Hurling Championship, securing their third consecutive victory with a commanding 3-22 to 0-14 win over Kerry in Co Laois.
Antrim stamped their authority on the game right from the throw-in. A blistering start saw them breach the Kerry defense twice in the opening stages, with early goals from Callum McIlwaine and Cadhán Crawford. That immediate attacking surge left Kerry reeling, and by the 10-minute mark, the young Saffrons had already built a comfortable 2-2 to 0-1 lead.
The Ulster side maintained their relentless pace and control of the sliotar as the half progressed, stretching their advantage to 2-5 to 0-3 by the 20th minute. Kerry managed to find some rhythm before the break, tapping over a few much-needed scores to keep themselves within touching distance but the teams headed to the dressing rooms with Antrim leading by 2-6 to 0-7.
Emerging for the second half, Kerry showed signs of a revival, battling hard to narrow the deficit. However, Antrim’s composure shone through. They absorbed the pressure and responded emphatically, knocking over a string of points to widen the gap to 2-14 to 0-12 midway through the half.
The match was effectively put to bed in the final 10 minutes when Thomas McLaughlin found the back of the net for Antrim’s third goal of the afternoon. This final blow capped off a genuinely free-scoring and remarkably balanced team performance from start to finish.
Looking ahead, Antrim’s momentum sets up a highly anticipated clash next week against Carlow, who secured their own victory over Down today. Given the current standings and form, it is highly likely that next week’s opponents will meet again in the championship final.
ANTRIM
| 1 | Sean Og McLaren | Naomh Pol |
| 2 | Cathair Donnelly | Mac Uilin |
| 3 | Liam Glackin (Capt.) | Na Seamróga |
| 4 | Conor McCann | Ruairi Og |
| 5 | Ronan Donnelly | Naomh Eoin |
| 6 | Calum Mc Ilwaine | Óisín Gleann Airimh |
| 7 | Callagh Mooney | Ruairi Og |
| 8 | Charlie Mc Auley | Ruairi Og |
| 9 | Ronan Fitzgerald | Na Seamróga |
| 10 | Liam Mc Enhill | Ó D Rosa |
| 11 | Orrin O’Connor | Óisín Gleann Airimh |
| 12 | Niall Magee (sub for No. 12) | Óisín Gleann Airimh |
| 13 | Cadhan Crawford | Mac Uilin |
| 14 | Thomas Mc Laughlin | Ruairi Og |
| 15 | Oisin McCallin | Cú Chulainn, Dún Lathai |