Antrim made it six on the bounce when they proved too strong for Wicklow at davitt’s Park on Sunday.
Antrim started this game in whirlwind fashion and with only 7 minutes on the clock they had the ball in the back of the Wicklow net three times.
Maria O Neill found the bottom corner after only two minutes and two minutes later Lara Dahunsi fired high to the net after a great interchanging of passes between Mellon and McKenna with the latter finding Dahunsi with an astute through ball.
Two minutes later Dahunsi was at it again when she got her second goal and her team’s third when her low shot rested in the bottom corner of the Wicklow net.
Antrim were in complete control at this stage and when Wicklow did break they found the Antrim defence in no mood to give much away with Niamh Mc Intosh and Ciara Brown in complete control at the back.
Luisne Adams then got the ball out on the right hand side and after beating two defenders she scored a great point from 35 meters as the Saffrons continued to dominate.
A long kickout from Aine Devlin then found Dahunsi and she took on the defender and laid the perfect pass of to Ana Mulholland who had run 60 metres in support and she made no mistake from the edge of the box.
The relentless Antrim pressure continued and Bronagh Devlin was next to rattle the Wicklow net after being found in space by Maria O Neill and she finished from close range.
Maria O Neill added Antrims final score of the half when she coolly slotted over the bar from 20 metres out.
Wicklow hit 3 points from frees in the first half and one from play and
they broke through near the end of the half but the impressive Aine Kelly made a timely interception for the Antrim girls.
The second half was similar to the first with Antrim in control despite the management team making 7 changes at the break but this didn’t disrupt the team whatsoever.
Nicole Jones, who was causing Wicklow endless problems banged in two goals, one on 35 minutes and the other on the 40 minute mark.
Lara Dahunsi chipped in with a point and then came the best individual score of the day.
Eimily Kearns got the ball out on the right hand side and beat two defenders and from what looked an impossible angle she hit a spectacular point from all of 40 metres to raise the biggest cheer of the day.
Lara Dahunsi had the final say of the day with two well taken points in the last five minute.
All in all an excellent performance from the Antrim girls which gaurentees top spot and a home draw in the semi-final.
Antrim were afforded the luxury of giving all their panel a run out and the Antrim management complemented their effort and dedication this season.
“We gave all our girls game time today. Every player in this group works so hard and deserves a run out. They all push each other so hard at training and encourage each other all the time.
We were really happy with the fast start and a few of our girls got their first start today and certainly didn’t disappoint but it’s one game at a time and it’s off to Derry next week so we will prepare for that game this incoming week said the Antrim management team”
TO VIEW MORE OF ELAINE KELLY’S PHOTOS CLICK ON THE LINK BELOW
Two goals and a point in the opening minutes of Friday’s Foresters Cup semi-final at Colaiste Feirste proved to the winning of the game for the boys from the Glen Road. Man of the match Cormac McCann got the first goal inside a minute added a point thirty seconds later, and when centre forward Conal Dempsey got a second goal soon afterwards St Mary’s were in the driving seat.
St Louis got on the scoresheet when midielder James McGarry sent over a point from a long range free in the fifth minute but St Mary’s continued to dominate as they hit back with three unanswered points through Cormac McCann, Cormac Mulligan and Conall Dempsey to stretch their lead to twelve points.
St Louis had a mountain to climb, but they began to find a bit of rhythm in their play as they hit back with five points in a row through Joe Casey, Euan Molloy, Cillian Scullion, Jack McQuillan and James McGarry.
McCann hit back with a pointed free for St Mary’s, which gave them back the upper hand and by half time, a flurry of scores by the Ballymena school closed the gap the 2-09 to 09 at half time.
Two more points by McCann and Mulliagan early in the new half stretched the St Mary’s lead to eight, but St Louis closed the gap to five when Mcgarry, Scullion and Casey hit the target. As the game progressed St Louis were beginning to get the better of things, and when centre back domnhal McKay pointed in the final minutes there was just three between the sides.
However St Mary’s were able to lift their game and three points in a two minute spell from Matthew Murray, Cormac McCann and Darren Delander stretched the lead to six with time almost up. St Louis got back to within a goal again when James McGarry grabbed a late goal, but it was a case of too little, too late and St Mary’s were through to a final meeting with the winners of Wednesday’s semi-final between CPC and St Killian’s.
Aoife McCloskey receives the Camogie Player of the Year award from Mairead Magill at the club’s presentation evening in their clubrooms on Saturday night.Team captain, Emma Louise McAreavey receives the Camogie Players player of the Year on behalf of Caitlin Godfrey from JP McLarnon.
Tir na nOg GAC Randalstown held their Annual Presentation evening in their recently refurbished Clubrooms on Saturday night with a good crowd in attendance and the following were the award winners on the evening.
Michael McAtamney presents the Senior Hurling Player of the Year award to Sean McKinleyGerard Martin receives the Kerr family award for Young Player of the Year on behalf of Dara Martin from Michael Kerr.Ladies Football Player of the Year, Molly McCaw receives her award from Stephen Higgins.Emma Louise McAreavey and Susan Shannon receive the Ladies Dual award on behalf of Ellen Magee from Stephen Higgins and JP McLarnonSenior Footballer of the Year, Aodhan Tolan receives his award from Kevin CrillyDual Men’s Player of the year, Josh Higgins receives his award from Club Chairman Nicky Bonnes.Terry Robb receives the Conor Devlin award on behalf of Maureen McVeigh from Paddy and Marie DevlinClub Person of the Year, Rory Bonnes receives his award from club chairman, Nicky BonnesClub Person of the Year, Rory Bonnes receives his award from club chairman, Nicky BonnesTheHiggins family celebrate Josh’s successDessie and Carla O’Neill
St Dominic’s Belfast 2-7 Gaelcholáiste Chill Dara 1-9
A few weeks ago St Dominic’s became the first Belfast school to reach an All-Ireland camogie final. On Saturday in Castleblayney they became the first Ulster school to lift Corn Úna since it was introduced 14 years ago.
The key score was a goal from Erin Kelly in the 57th minute, 30 seconds after the quite brilliant Aoibhín Ní Dhubhshláine had pulled the teams level at 1-7 each.
Ní Dhubhshláine, who scored everything for Gaelcholáiste Chill Dara, responded with a point two minutes later and then pointed a free more than a minute into added time. But the Falls Road side held out to take the title. Amy Gault gave them a promising start with a point from a free in the first minute, but Ní Dhubhshláine had her side level from a free and then in the 12th minute they took the lead.
Amelie Annett equalised and then Aoife Fitzsimons and Ríonach McElhatton combined for the latter to hit the net for the opening goal after 17 minutes.
Ní Dhubhshláine responded with two frees and then, when the sliotar wasn’t cleared from a scramble in front of the Belfast side’s goal, the Naas forward swept it to the net.
It was 1-5 to 1-3 then at the break and Ní Dhubhshláine extended the lead with a sixth point inside 30 seconds of the re-start. However Aoife McGivern, Erin Stewart, Aoife Fitzsimons and Amy Gault all pointed over the next ten minutes to edge St Dominic’s ahead.
Both teams then went scoreless for a quarter of an hour before Ní Dhubhshláine levelled to set up the dramatic finish.
Lamh Dhearg midfielder Amelie Annett picked up the Player of the match award, but in reality it was a huge team effort from the Belfast side to thwart the individual brilliance of Aoibhín Ní Dhubhshláine
St Dominic’s: E Stewart 0-1, R McElhatton 1-0, A Gault 0-2 frees, E Kelly 1-1, A McGivern, A Annett and A Fitzsimons 0-1 each
Gaelcholáiste: Leah Ní Bhuachalla, Tara Ní Dhufaigh, Naoise Ní Mheachair, Hanna Ní Uirlithe, Grace Gaillí, Doireann Ní Cheallaigh, Layla Nic Chraith, Aoibhín Nic Colla, Clara Nic an Rí, Niamh Ní Thuathaigh, Alex Nic Solaimh capt., Ruby Ní Bheolláin, Molly Ní Mháille, Aoibhín Ní Dhubhshláine, Dáire Ní Nualláin
TO SEE MORE OF BERT’S PICS FROM THE GAME CLICK ON THE LINK BELOW
Brendan McTaggart reports from Netwatch Cullen Park, Carlow
James McNaughton makes a high catch during Sunday’s NHL Division 1B game with Carlow in Netwatch Cullen Park
It was the late, late show for Antrim on Sunday afternoon but Gerard Walsh’s 75th minute wonder strike ensured the Saffrons fate in Division 1B remains in their own hands.
Standing over the sliotar and a wall of colour in front of him, 35 yards from goal, it was all or nothing for Antrim and Walsh, somehow, managed to find the back of the Carlow net.
Was it a deserved ending? Absolutely. Antrim showed the fight and desire Davy Fitzgerald had called for after recent defeats and but for seven or eight minutes at the end of the first half, they performed more like the Antrim team we have come accustomed to in recent times.
Goal chances came and left before finally finding a way through. On another day, Conor Johnston would be walking off with three goals beside his name. As it was, he hit the bottom of the upright, was felled in the build up to Keelan Molloy’s goal and had a fresh air strike with the goal at his mercy. James McNaughton finished with eight points, six from placed ball and uncharacteristically missed a couple of frees along with a penalty. That being said, McNaughton’s overall contribution was outstanding. His ability to evade challenges and create chances was second to none in an Antrim shirt.
When Fitzgerald and his team analyse this one, they’ll realise that it’s a chance missed. But looking at the positives, and there are plenty to come from this 70 plus minutes, have they come across a winning formula? Plenty has been said in relation to systems and styles being implanted so far. I’ve been one of those who have questioned it. In that second 35 minutes on Sunday afternoon, Antrim really turned the screw. Trailing by seven points six minutes into the second half, they reduced the home side to four points from play and seven overall while hitting 2-8 themselves despite missing a plethora of further chances.
What was the difference? There were different personnel but positionally, Antrim were much more tuned in to what was being asked of them. They put pressure on the Carlow puck outs and upped the intensity in the middle third. Winning clean ball with Conall Bohill excelling, Ryan McCambridge superb in second phase ball while Gerard Walsh was in his element in the advanced position.
From our own restarts, there was an initial reluctance to go long. Short puck outs were then being driven from the full back and latterly the half back lines in an attempt to bypass the middle third but the variation kept Carlow from getting to grips with Ryan Elliott’s puck outs.
The only really worrying aspect of this game was the closing period of the first half. The sides were tied on seven points each in the 27th minute when Carlow got the opening goal of the game. It was Chris Nolan who was on the end of the move that involved Marty Kavanagh in the buildup and despite a less than favourable angle, he managed to beat Elliott with a drilled effort.
A further four points followed with James Doyle at his brilliant best with Antrim’s solitary response coming from a Keelan Molloy point with the last action of the half.
Antrim’s Joe Maskey in action against Carlow at Cullen Park
It was a harsh ending to the half for Antrim and a further reminder that if you take your eye off the ball at this level, you’ll get punished. In a first half where they showed plenty of determination and defensively for long periods, had the match of a talented Carlow attack but they were struggling for any kind of momentum in attack. Whether that be the delivery of ball or touches being missed, it just wasn’t clicking in that first half for the Saffrons. Four points in the opening eight minutes was followed by the same tally in the time that remained in the first half. That being said, the work rate and determination was there. They needed to convert the chances they were creating to start making the home side think differently.
A quick fire brace from Conor Johnston soon after the restart got Antrim off to a bright start and while Carlow were taking scores and keeping the score board ticking, the Saffrons were looking much more threatening in attack. The introduction of Cormac McKeown certainly having an impact.
A run of five points in seven minutes with just one white flag coming the way of Carlow helped to reduce the deficit to three points and 25 minutes of the match remaining. It could have been better for the Saffrons but Conor Johnston’s brilliant effort somehow found the bottom of the right hand upright with Brian Tracey beaten between the sticks.
Second half substitute Cormac McKeown runs at the Carlow defence
McKeown reduced that deficit to two shortly after before Kavanagh converted his second free of the half in the 59th minute.
With all the momentum, Antrim’s slick passing created a massive goal scoring opportunity for McNaughton. He was felled by Paul Doyle who was black carded for his troubles and McNaughton stood 20 yards from goal to take the penalty. He struck the sliotar well but Brian Tracey was equal to his strike and his rebounded effort went to the wrong side of the post.
With six minutes remaining, midfielder Ciaran Whelan put four between the sides and it felt like it was an insurance point for the home side. Antrim came once again and another slick move, they carved open the Carlow defence and Johnston was on the end of a half chance. He went to strike unorthodoxly but was swarmed out by a retreating Carlow defence only for Molloy to fire the rebound to the back of the net.
Antrim were well on top with any Carlow attacks fleeting in the closing stages. They did manage to open a three point lead once again in the second minute of injury time but commeth the hour, commeth the man. Antrim had one last chance, if you could even call it that when Gerard Walsh stood over a free 35 yards from goal. Walsh drilled low and the sliotar evaded everyone to nestle in the bottom corner of the net with what was the last action of the game.
A fantastic end to what was a gripping second half of hurling. Antrim look ahead now to the visit of Laois in seven days time in a winner takes all contest. If ever there was a time to produce the goods, this was it. The Saffrons go into that game on the back of what was their best performance of the year and while it may have been points shared at Cullen Park, this felt like a shift in mentality and momentum by the final whistle.
Onto the next one.
Young hurlers from O’Donovan Rossa, who spent the weekend in Carlow where they played challenge games against Mount Leinster Rangers, get their photo taken with hero of the hour Gerard Walsh at Cullen Park on Sunday
TEAMS
Antrim: Ryan Elliott; Eoin McFerran, Paddy Burke, Stephen Rooney; Joe Maskey, Eoghan Campbell, Conall Bohill; Niall O’Connor, Gerard Walsh; Ryan McCambridge, Keelan Molloy, Nigel Elliott; Eoin O’Neill, James McNaughton, Conor Johnston
Subs: Cormac McKeown for E O’Neill (32); Joseph McLaughlin for R McCambridge (64)
Scorers: J McNaughton 0-8 (6fs); K Molloy 1-1; G Walsh 1-00 (1-00f); C Johnston 0-2; E Campbell 0-2; E McFerran 0-1; C Bohill 0-1; R McCambridge 0-1; N Elliott 0-1; C McKeown 0-1
Carlow: Brian Tracey; Paidi O’Shea, Dion Wall, Paul Doyle; Fiachra Fitzpatrick, Kevin McDonald, Jack McCullagh; Evan Kealy, Ciaran Whelan; Jon Nolan, Martin Kavanagh, John Doyle; Conor Kehoe, Chris Nolan, James Doyle
Subs: Paddy Boland for J Nolan (54); Ted Joyce for J Doyle (59); Donagh Murphy for C Kehoe (64)
Scorers: M Kavanagh 0-7 (5fs 1’65); C Nolan 1-3; J Doyle 0-3; F Fitzpatrick 0-2; C Whelan 0-2; J Nolan 0-2; C Kehoe 0-1; T Joyce 0-1
Referee: Chris Mooney (Dublin)
To see more of Brendan’s pics from the Antrim v Carlow game please clink on the link below
