SHC RELEGATION Antrim 2-18 Laois 0-16GOALS IN in either half from Shane McNaughton and Paddy Richmond were vital scores as Antrim cemented their place in the Liam McCarthy Cup for 2009, following a comfortable play-off victory over 14-men Laois on Saturday at Páirc Tailteann.
McNaughton started the game brightly, with a goal after just 19 seconds, but Laois battled back with Noel Costello sending over five points in the first half.
The sides were level on three occasions before the interval, with Paul Shiels playing a vital role for Antrim, before his side pulled away before the break, to ensure a 1-10 to 0-10 half-time lead.
Niall Rigney's side were dealt a major blow in the final quarter, after defender John A Delaney received a second yellow card and, although scores from Willie Hyland kept them in contention, a 62nd-minute Richmond goal paved the way for an Antrim win.
ANTRIM:R McGarry; A Graffin, C Donnelly, M Kettle; C Herron, K McKeegan, J Campbell (0-1); E McCloskey (0-1), PJ O'Connell; M Herron (0-1), K Stewart (0-2), P Magill; S McNaughton (1-3), P Richmond (1-1), P Shiels (0-8, eight frees). Subs: C Duffin (0-1) for O'Connell (41 mins); C McKinley for Herron (66 mins); J McKeague for Magill (70 mins).
LAOIS:P Mullaney; D Maher, B Campion, M McEvoy; J A Delaney, J Phelan, C Coonan; E Holohan (0-2), J Walsh; C Delaney (0-2), W Hyland (0-3), N Costello (0-5, four frees); N Holmes, T Fitzgerald (0-1), J Brophy (0-3, one free). Subs: E Browne for Walsh (27-29 mins); J Rowney for Costello (39 mins); C Dunne for Coonan (56 mins); S Hanlon for Holohan (58 mins).
Referee:Jason O'Mahony (Limerick)
