Above – The Antrim Minor team who beat Kerry in the Peadar O Liathain Cup semi-final on Saturday.
Antrim 1-19 Kerry 1-12
Another long journey for the Antrim Minor Hurlers, where they booked their place in the Peadar O Liathain final following an impressive semi-final win over Kerry Minor Hurlers at Ratheniska GAA, Co Laois.
Facing into a strong breeze in the opening half, the young Saffs made a blistering start and quickly established a 0-05 to 0-02 advantage. Kerry responded well with a series of accurate scores, particularly from placed balls, to stay in touch throughout a competitive first half.
A late surge from Kerry saw them hit 1-01 in the closing minutes before the break, leaving the sides separated by just two points at half-time, with the scoreboard reading Kerry 1-06, Antrim 0-11.
Kerry opened the second half strongly with two early frees to draw level, but Antrim responded in composed fashion. A string of scores from play helped restore their advantage, and the Saffs maintained control as the contest entered the closing stages.
The decisive moment arrived late in the game when vice-captain Oisin McLaren rifled home a penalty to seal victory and secure Antrim’s place in the final on a scoreline of Kerry 1-12, Antrim 1-19.
The result capped another huge effort from the Antrim panel, who have travelled more than 2,500 miles during their campaign while balancing preparations with ongoing exams. Having spent seven of the last eight weeks on the road, the young Saffs now turn their attention to one final push as they prepare to face Offaly Minor Hurlers in this weekend’s final, which is looking like a 12:30 throw in at Parnell Park (still tbc).
