Hurling Walsh Cup final/ Antrim 3-9 Offaly 2-7:In appalling conditions at Casement Park yesterday, Antrim took the Walsh Cup to Ulster for the first time when they deservedly defeated Offaly, having trailed by 2-6 to 1-4 at half-time.

Antrim elected to play against the strong wind and driving rain in the first half and a goal by midfielder Eddie McCloskey in the 12th minute put them in the driving seat at 1-1 to 0-1. However, snap goals, against the run of play in the 20th and 27th minutes by Francis Kerrigan and Shane Dooley put Offaly in front.

In the closing 10 minutes of the first half Offaly hit 1-4 without reply but they were allowed only one score in the second half, a point from a Dooley free, as Antrim launched wave after wave of attacks but missed the posts 11 times. However, McCloskey's second goal on 57 minutes and another by Cormac Donnelly on 66 minutes sealed the victory.

ANTRIM: R McGarry; A Graffin, N McGarry, S Delargy; C Herron, K McKeegan, K Elliott; N McManus (0-1, free), E McCloskey (2-0); M Magill (0-1), L Watson (0-7, five frees), P McGill; K Stewart, C Donnelly (1-0), S McCrory. Subs: PJ O'Connell for McCrory (27 mins), D Hamill for O'Connell (61 mins).

OFFALY: S O'Connor; C Hernon, K Brady, D Franks; D Horan (0-1, free), J Bergin, D Kenny; C Mahon, B Teehan; S Dooley (1-3, three points frees), G Oakley (0-1), B Carroll (0-1); D Currams, D Molloy (0-1), F Kerrigan (1-0). Subs: J Rigney for Teehan (20 mins), D Murray for Currams (half-time), J Brady for Kerrigan (55 mins).

Referee: D Murphy(Wexford).