Antrim through to USFC Final

June 29th, 2009

Ulster Senior Football Championship Final:
Antrim 0-13 Cavan 1-07

Antrim caused a sensation at Clones on Saturday evening when they beat Cavan by 0-13 to 1-7 to reach their first Ulster final since 1970.

Liam Bradley’s side played an energetic and attractive brand of football that left Cavan floundering in their wake at times to move into the provincial decider against the All-Ireland champions, Tyrone.

Antrim had heroes all over the pitch, but man of the match Terry O’Neill, giant half-forward Niall McKeever and the always-accurate Paddy Cunningham [pictured] played pivotal roles in a day of great celebration for the county.

McKeever’s dominance around the middle third ensured that Antrim led 0-7 to 0-3 shortly before the break. Seanie Johnston scored all of Cavan’s points to that point before the Breffni men, thanks to scores from Ray Cullivan and Martin Reilly, put in a late surge and trailed by the minimum at half-time.

However, Antrim powered out of the blocks after the break, and when Justin Crozier scored a fine individual point after 52 minutes, they led 0-12 to 0-6.

Cavan pulled a goal back in the 58th minute when Mountnugent clubman David Gibney got on the end of a Martin Reilly ’45 to bundle the ball home. Martin Reilly then added Cavan’s first point of the half two minutes later and Tommy Carr’s side looked to be on the verge of a superb comeback.

However, Antrim had the final say and Paddy Cunningham’s late free gave them the breathing space they needed at the death.

– Video: Final whistle scenes at Clones as Antrim reach their first Ulster Final since 1970
– Video: The story of the game – Antrim 0-13 Cavan 1-7
– Video: Antrim captain Paddy Cunningham praises their supporters
– Video: Antrim manager Liam Bradley after the defeat of Cavan
– 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
– Video: Saturday night could be the start of something big for Antrim and Cavan
– Video: Antrim goalkeeper Peter Graham has come from nowhere to face Stevie O’Neill & Co
– Video: Ciaran McKenna from St Mary’s, Aghagallon and Eoin Campbell from All Saints, Ballymena played for Antrim in Clones
– Photo Gallery: USFC – Antrim v Cavan