Antrim make it 8 in a row

Ulster Senior Hurling Championship Final:
Antrim 3-20  Down 4-15

In the best Ulster Senior Hurling Final for years Antrim survived a stunning second half comeback by outsiders Down to clinch a thrilling game by two points on a scoreline of 3-20 to 4-15, at sunny Casement Park.

During the first half the game appeared to be following the expected pattern as goals from Shane McNaughton and Joey Scullion helped the Saffrons to a 2-10 to 0-9 half-time lead.

However the favourites were rocked back on their heels early in the second half as Down hit back in style with goals from Paul Braniff (2), Stephen Clarke and Andy Savage to take the lead for the first time.

Shane McNaughton scored a brilliant second goal to restore the Saffrons lead but Down were undaunted and regained the lead once again.

The Ards men led by a point and looked like they could end the Saffrons run as Ulster champions, but three late Antrim points from the Cushendall trio of Karl McKeegan, Neill McManus and Shane McNaughton saw them clinch their eight title on the trot.

Report:  antrim.gaa.ie

Related:

– Video: Goalfest at Casement as Antrim beat Down
– Video: Antrim Hurling Captain Neil McGarry says Antrim footballers can also become Ulster Champions
– Video: Antrim Chairman Dr John McSparran looks to build on a dream weekend for the county
– Photo Gallery: USHC Final – Antrim v Down