Gaelic Games

Influential Shiels helps Antrim preserve their status

Gutsy second-half display ensures Ulstermen retain their Division 1B status

Antrim’s Neil McManus attempts to avoid the challenge of Offaly’s Kevin Connolly and Conor Mahon. Photograph: Inpho/John McIlwaine
Antrim’s Neil McManus attempts to avoid the challenge of Offaly’s Kevin Connolly and Conor Mahon. Photograph: Inpho/John McIlwaine
Mon Mar 31 2014 - 01:00

Antrim 1-18
Offaly 1-14

Antrim's hurlers deservedly preserved their top flight status with a four-point win over Offaly in yesterday's Division 1B play-off at Ballycastle.

Offaly led by three at the break but the home side, inspired by Paul Shiels, reined in the favourites over the second 35 minutes.

Offaly got off to a flying start, with Stephen Quirke firing to the net after five minute all six forwards had scored for the visitors when Brian Carroll stroked over for a 1-7 to 0-4 lead after 15 minutes.

Two Joe Bergin frees extended the lead to eight, before Shiels firing over his side’s first score for 16 minutes. The same player then added a superb effort from range before Conor Carson’s goal left Antrim trailing by three at the break, 1-11 to 1-8.

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Points from Shiels, McManus and Carson had the scores level but Antrim hit five of the last six points to prevail.
ANTRIM: C O'Connell; Ciaran Johnson, C McKinley, O McFadden; E Campbell (0-2), N McAuley, P Shiels (0-9, 4f, 0-1 '65'); D Hamill, C McCann; C Carson (1-1), M Donnelly, S McAfee; N McManus (0-3, 1f), PJ O'Connell (0-3), Conor Johnson. Subs: B McFall for S McAfee, N McKenna for C McCann, C Clarke for M Donnelly, D McKernan for C Johnson, J McGreevy for C Clarke.
OFFALY: J Dempsey; N Wynne, G Healion, J Rigney; C Parlon, C Egan, C McDonald; K Brady, T Geraghty; J Bergin (0-5, 4f), C Mahon (0-1), S Dooley (0-1); B Carroll (0-3), D Currams (0-2), S Quirke (1-2). Subs: S Cleary for K Brady, K Connolly for B Carroll.
Referee: J Owens (Wexford)