Ulster SHC Final/Antrim 2-24 Down 0-4:Antrim landed the Guinness Ulster senior hurling crown at saturated Casement Park, Belfast, yesterday but, in truth, they did not have to expend undue effort. Indeed, such was the paucity of opposition offered by a disjointed Down side, that long before the interval the game had ceased to be a meaningful contest.
By then, Antrim led by 1-13 to 0-2 - Down scored just a solitary point from play in the first half - and were superior in every sector.
The treacherous underfoot conditions and pouring rain might in other circumstances have burdened the winners but their route to success was smoothed by Down's ineptitude.
And if Antrim lorded matters in the first half, they cemented their authority further in the second period when substitute Brian McFall swept in their second goal to complement the seventh-minute effort from Paul Shiels that had initially sent Antrim coasting to victory.
A prodigious performance by Neil McManus at centre forward, a feisty performance from Brendan Herron in midfield and composed defensive resilience were major plus factors as Antrim did little more than warm up for what will be much more hazardous assignments against Laois, Clare and Galway in the All-Ireland qualifiers.
Down manager Gerard McGrattan was devastated at the finish, his side having failed to capture anything like the form that helped them to see off Derry in last weekend's semi-final replay.
Two second-half points represented a meagre return but, in truth, Down lacked fire, pride and ambition throughout. On yesterday's evidence, remedial action is required - and quickly.
Antrim joint manager Terence McNaughton said afterwards: "Obviously the conditions were terrible and yet to score 2-24 in these circumstances underlines the skill and hunger within our side. You can only beat what is put in front of you and maybe we were surprised at the manner in which we won. But we know there are formidable obstacles on the horizon and we certainly won't be taking any false comfort from this win."
ANTRIM: R McGarry; M Kettle, M McCambridge, S Delargy; M Molloy (0-1), J Campbell, C Herron; B Herron (0-5, two frees), K McKeegan (0-1, free), P McGill, N McManus (0-7), M Herron (0-3), S McCrory (0-2), J McIntosh (0-3, two frees), P Shiels (1-0). Subs: N McAuley for Campbell (45 mins); Brian McFall (1-2) for Shiels (51 mins); P Richmond for McGill (51 mins); S McDonald for McIntosh (56 mins); Barry McFall for Kettle (51 mins).
DOWN: Graham Clarke; L Clarke, S Murray, F Conway; Gabriel Clarke, M Ennis, A Savage, B McGourty; E Trainor, K Courtney (0-2, one free), J Trainor; E Clarke, G Johnson (0-1), P Coulter (0-1). Subs: A Bell for E Trainor (40 mins); A Dynes for E Clarke (56 mins).
Referee: J McGrath (Westmeath).
