Gaelfast Antrim Cup Year – 10 Hurling Shield Final

Rathmore 3-7, Coláiste Feirste 2-8

Rathmore emerged victorious in an entertaining and highly competitive Antrim Cup Year 10 Hurling Shield Final, overcoming Coláiste Feirste by 3-7 to 2-8 after a hard-fought contest.

The game opened with a series of exchanged scores. Se Wall got Rathmore up and running with a free before Paddy Óg Robinson responded for Coláiste Feirste. Wall added two further frees to keep Rathmore ticking over, while Robinson matched him with a free of his own.

Coláiste Feirste struck a major blow when Cuan Brady found the net from a free, helping his side edge in front. Eoin Rice followed up with a point to strengthen their position. Rathmore responded brilliantly, however, as midfielder Conor Carson fired home a goal before Ronan McIlroy added a second major from centre half-forward to swing momentum back in Rathmore’s favour to end the interval.

Half-Time: Rathmore 2-3, Coláiste Feirste 1-3

The second half continued at a high intensity. Odhran O’Carroll opened the scoring after the restart for Coláiste Feirste before Garrett Finnegan replied with an excellent point from a tight angle. Cuan Brady and Eoin Sheridan traded scores, while O’Carroll added another point to keep Coláiste Feirste within touching distance.

Se Wall extended Rathmore’s lead with a free before Odhran O’Prey produced one of the key moments of the game, expertly finishing to the net with his left boot to give Rathmore breathing space.

Coláiste Feirste refused to give in. Brady landed another point before O’Prey was brought down in the square, resulting in a Rathmore penalty. Wall struck the penalty high over the bar for a point. A superb 21-yard free from Paddy Óg Robinson found the Rathmore net and reignited Coláiste Feirste hopes, while Brady added another point late on.

Despite the late rally, Rathmore held firm to secure the Shield title.

There were outstanding performances throughout both teams. Leo Weng impressed in midfield for Rathmore, while the Rathmore defence played a crucial role throughout, with Harry McAllister particularly prominent with his tackling and defensive work. Up front, the link-up play between Odhran O’Prey and Garrett Finnegan consistently troubled the Coláiste Feirste defence.

For Coláiste Feirste, Connlaodh Boyd and Cillian Ritchie were excellent in defence, while Cuan Brady contributed significantly from midfield, both in general play and on the scoreboard. In attack, Paddy Óg Robinson and Odhran O’Carroll remained dangerous throughout and ensured Rathmore were never comfortable.

Overall, it was a tremendous advertisement of hurling, played with great skill, determination, and sportsmanship. While both sides can be proud of their efforts, Rathmore were deserving winners on the day.

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