ULSTER SHC FINAL: Antrim 3-18 Down 2-16: THREE SECOND half goals set up Antrim for victory over Down in this highly competitive and entertaining Guinness Ulster SHC final in sunny Casement Park yesterday.
This victory gave Antrim their seventh successive title and one at the finish that they deserved. However, they looked most vulnerable in the first half when Down pierced their defence twice for goals and were denied at least two more by great saves by Antrim keeper Ryan McGarry.
In one of the most competitive Ulster finals over the past decade, Down forgot their large defeat of last year and produced some great hurling, especially in that first half. They contested every ball, moved the sliotar quickly and more than matched the winners in most aspects of the game.
While Down looked in control in the first half they lacked the power, accuracy and greater team- work of the winners. Antrim, who struggled at midfield in that opening period, switched Paul Shields to that sector in the second half and that give them a greater share of the ball. The winners can thank the man of the match, Karl McKeegan, for keeping them in the game in the opening half. His accuracy from long-range frees was brilliant as he registered five, all from within his own half.
But Antrim will have to improve if they are to overcome Galway in two weeks' time in the McCarthy Cup game, which will also be held in Casement Park.
In defence, Antrim had hard workers in Ciarán Herron, Karl McKeegan and Johnny Campbell in a strong half-back line while Neil McGarry looked positive at full back, but it was keeper Ryan McGarry who was most prominent with those vital saves. Karl Stewart and Eddie McCloskey worked hard at midfield and took control in the second half when joined by Paul Shields. In the attack, full forward Liam Watson starred with his accuracy from frees and in general play, assisted by Paddy Richmond and Michael Herron.
Down showed lots of courage and commitment. In defence Stephen Murray, Kieran Courtney and Simon Wilson were strong while Andy Savage and Ruairí McGrattan worked overtime at midfield. In attack Paul Braniff, Brendan McGourty and Conor Woods were prominent.
Although Watson opened the Antrim scoring after five minutes with a point, Down hit the front with a goal from Stephen Clarke three minutes later. Karl McKeegan and Paul Shields levelled for Antrim and they surged ahead with three unanswered points to take a two-point lead.
Entering the second quarter Antrim were rocked by a second Down goal, from Conor Woods, and with points being exchanged at regular intervals Down led by 2-5 to 0-10 at half-time.
Within five minutes of the restart, Antrim regained the lead when Watson blasted a free to the net. Twice points were exchanged before Antrim struck for their second goal, from Karl Stewart, after 45 minutes. This was the score that settled the side and gave them some breathing space.
Brendan McGourty and Paul Braniff added Down points but these were negated by Paul Shield and the accurate Watson midway through the half. Conor O'Prey's introduction into the Down attack for the final quarter saw the Portaferry club man add new impetus.
Antrim virtually sealed victory 10 minutes from time when Paddy Richmond pounced on a mistake by the tiring Down defence to fire to the net and establish a 3-15 to 2-10 lead. In the final eight minutes O'Prey added three points while Simon Wilson pointed two 65s before Watson had the final say with a last-minute Antrim point from a free.
ANTRIM: R McGarry; A Graffin, N McGarry, S. Delargy; C Herron (0-1), K McKeegan (0-5), J Campbell; K Stewart (1-0), E McCloskey (0-1); M Herron (0-2), C Donnelly, P McGill (0-1); P Richmond (1-0), L Watson (1-6), P Shields (0-2). Subs: PJ O'Connell for C Donnelly; S McCrory for P McGill; M Kettle for C Herron.
DOWN: Graham Clarke; L Clarke, S Murray, F Conway; S Wilson (0-3), K Courtney, Gabriel Clarke; A Savage, R McGrattan; P Braniff (0-6), B McGourty (0-2), C Woods (1-0); E Clarke, E Trainor (0-2), S Clarke (1-0). Subs: C O'Prey (0-3)for L Clarke; K McGarry for E Trainor; B Ennis for S Clarke; P Hughes for F Conway.
Referee: G Devlin(Armagh).
Attendance: 3,562.
