Antrim SHC final/O'Donovan rossa 1-14 Loughgiel 2-4: O'Donovan Rossa carved out an easier victory than had been anticipated when they cruised past Loughgiel in yesterday's Antrim senior hurling championship final at Casement Park, Belfast.
Rossa, leading 0-8 to 1-2 lead at half-time, consolidated their advantage after the break. The platform for success was laid by Jim Connolly and Jo Frank Boyle at midfield and their supply of possession was put to good use by Chris McDonnell and substitute Michael McCullough.
Although Loughgiel's Brendan McGarry fired home an early goal, it proved a false dawn. It was not until injury time Liam Watson hit their second goal from a penalty. Steven McGarry was sent off for Loughgiel.
O'DONOVAN ROSSA: M Devine;, E Graham, J Close, A McCormack; M Kettle, G Bell, S Shannon (0-1); J Connolly (0-1), J F Boyle (0-1); P Graham, C Hamill (0-2), P Close; C McDonnell (1-3), J O'Neill (0-1), V Carbine (0-1). Sub: M McCullough (0-4) For Carbine (24 mins).
LOUGHGIEL: D Quinn; J Quinn, K Connolly, L McMullan; N McGarry, J Campbell, K McGarry; P Gillan, M Scullion; S McMullan, L Watson (1-2), C Connolly (0-1); A McCloskey, S McGarry, B McGarry (1-0). Subs: B Dillon for McCloskey (10 mins); D Laverty (0-1) for S Mcmullan (39 mins); S Óg McFadden for Dillon (40 mins).
Referee: John McSparran (Cushendun).
