Antrim cruise to 11 in a row

July 9th, 2012

Ulster GAA Hurling Championship Final:
Antrim 3-18 Derry 0-9

Antrim claimed their 11th successive Ulster GAA Hurling Championship title with an 18-point win over Derry at Casement Park on Sunday.

The Saffrons were on their way to victory in the eighth minute when Conor Carson hit the first of their three goals.

Four further points from the excellent Liam Watson left Jim Nelson’s side 1-9 to 0-5 ahead at the break.

Derry’s cause wasn’t helped by the dismissals of Mark Craig and Michael Warnock, both on straight red cards, and they had goalkeeper Darrel McDermott to thank for a string of fine stops.

However, Antrim did hit a second goal in the 64th minute when Shane McNaughton hit the back of the net, before Eddie McCloskey completed the rout with a third in the closing stages.

—

Ulster Minor Hurling Championship Final:
Antrim 2-13 Down 2-13

In the curtain raiser to the senior final, Antrim and Down played out an entertaining draw.

A Ryan McCambridge goal gave Antrim a 1-5 to 0-6 lead at half time, but the Mourne men took control early in the second half aided by an Caolon Bailie goal.

The free taking from man of the match John McGoldrick kept Antrim in touch and when McCambridge fired his second goal, Antrim led 2-12 to 1-12 with time running out.

Down once again responded with a goal from midfielder Chris Egan before the sides traded a late point each to send the game to a replay.

The replay will take place on Saturday 14th July, time and venue TBC.