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Antrim College's side traveled to UCD to play their Final Leinster College's group game against Colaiste Eoin on Monday buoyed by the recent performance in overcoming Dublin North. For the second game in a row the Antrim side started strongly playing on a 4g surface which benefit the pace of delivery and speed in Antrim team. Goals from Cormac McClafferty, Christy McNaughton and Deaglan Murphy were creating by the running power of the Antrim side while Ryan McKee and Ryan Delargy chipped in with points in a strong first half showing. Hugh Pat McNeill and Cathal McMullan in the Antrim defence were strong in the tackle supported by TT Butler in midfield to turn defence into attack to leave it Antrim leading 3-08 to 1-04 at the break

In the second half Antrim chipped away with points from McClafferty, McKee and some excellent Deaglan Murphy scores however a lull period mid way through the half allowed Colaiste Eoin to take a brief dominance to test the Antrim side. Order was soon restored as McClafferty and McKee added goals to see the combined colleges side run out comfortable winners on a scoreline of 5-20 to 2-11.

Antrim's next competitive outing will be on 17th January against either Dublin North or Wexford Colleges in the Leinster College's A Championship.

Antrim Team- Killian Jennings, Manus Mullan, Sean McBride, Hugh Pat McNeill, Cathal McMullan, OD Laverty, Joe Maskey, Tiernan Butler, Deaglan Murphy (1-04), James McNaughton, Cormac McClafferty (2-7, 0-05 frees), Sean Duffin, Ryan McKee (1-04) , Christy McNaughton (1-04), Ryan Delargy (0-01) . Subs Used- Jack Daniels, Matthew Muldoon.

For youngsters who go to big games with their hurls not to watch the game but to get onto the field then not to be allowed seems like being chastised.
In fact keeping an eye on them within the confines of the wide open spaces of the pitch is preferable to them running around on the terrace cum car parking area.
Maybe it will come a time when they are discouraged from bringing their hurls?
Why not provide play area -swings etc etc?
Yes there is always a risk but parents/ adults know of these risks

The concern re the physical safety of children pucking about sliothars non supervised is one thing
But the psychological abuse from SOME mentors, coaches , supporters etc is still too common
and tolerated and often directly directed towards a child or children
More disturbing when they don't know anything about the capabilities of the individual and direct 'abuse' because that child doesn't or cannot perform to the level that would please 'the know alls ' along the line.
And we do tolerate it and we shouldn't.
Everyone deserves to be treated respectfully - particularly our children..
If that respect is not an integral part of our ethos then readers/ posters draw your own conclusions
And some of these passionate 'abusers' may be considered great Gaels .
Time to call halt to this type of abuse
It could be the abuse scandal of our time but because it is accepted / common place then it is ignored.
Let us open our eyes and ears and steward them out of our grounds
And I have the greatest respect for the role of refs, disciplinary committees etc in the essential work that they do

Of course there is a health and safety issue with children playing at the Munster games- but there are risks with being alive?
Of course we need more regulations, more governance , more of this and that and health and safety is paramount.
Never thought I would see children being chastised for trying to go into a hurling field by stewards. We strived for decades to have this freedom and when we got it what did we do - we regulate, legislate to stifle the freedom of youthfulness.
More rules, more laws - more restrictions on freedom.
And we wonder why there is a disconnect in our society?

Sean's right. Children should be welcomed and encouraged to puck a ball about at half-time during big matches. It is unique to hurling for boys and girls to play on pitches at half-time in matches. Many of them come to matches with their hurls looking forward to the opportunity and it is a pleasure to see this enthusiasm for our most ancient game.
The stewards used to chase them away would be better employed to quietly supervise and encourage these young people. Beir bua.

When and where are the u21 Finals ?

can anyone rock up at the county convention or must you be a fully paid up member of a club?

will there be free tea and biscuits?

Sitting here watching the crowd of youngsters out picking around at half time in the Munster club final and reflecting on the stipulation at Antrim championship matches to keep the pitch clear of young hurlers. I'm wondering why Antrim think the Munster council are wrong?

What's the latest in the dunsilly project, what is the next milestone to be completed ?

is there any new gear coming out for xmas?

On Friday 14th November an Aontroim Colleges team travelled to DCU sports grounds in North Dublin to play their second match in the Leinster colleges League against a North Dublin college’s team.
The lads started of slowly probably due to the long trip south but soon found their sharpness and lead at half-time by 5 points.
The second half was a different affair as they upped the pace and with some fine hurling from Cormac Mc Clafferty, Deaghlin Murphy and TT Butler they finished with a score of Aontroim 2-24 V 1-12 Dublin North.
The management and players would like to thank Premier Electrics for their support throughout the tournament.
Team: 1.Ciaran Butler, 2.Matthew Devine, 3.Sean Mc Bride
4. Paddy Joe Graham, 5. Joseph Maskey (0-2), 6. Hugh Pat McNeill
7. Fergus Mc Cambridge, 8. TT Butler (0-2), 9 Deaghlin Murphy (0-7),
10. Dylan Mc Laughlin (0-2). 11. Cormac Mc Clafferty (1-8, 4frees),
12 Connor Patterson, 13.Ryan Delargy (0-1), 14.Christy McNaughton (0-1),
15 Ryan McKee (1-0), 16. Conal Walsh, 17.Conor Carson, 18. Connall Kerr,
19. Jack Daniels, 20.Ciaran Leech (0-1), 21.Manus Mullan, 22.Killian Jennings

Good luck to everyone involved in The Game for Anton and the important cause that it is promoting..
I relation to the impending closure of Dalriada hospital Ballycastle could we not expect the North Antrim Dividional Board to give a lead in presumably their opposition to what will adversely affect their area.
Or do they limit themselves to a 'games only' board?

Can anyone clarify for me if it is true that new Antrim gear will be unveiled in January?? Would it not make more sense bringing it out before the big man arrives?! I wouldnt want to have to return alot of gear to santa claus!!

In relation to proposed closure of the hospital in Ballycastle - surely it is up to the politicians whom we put there to change the decision. They are in power now and it is no longer civil servants who have the say.
I realise it is changed times but our politicians are the ones with the power.
We are only asking them to stop something happening - we are not asking at this stage to replace all the services that have been taken away over the years or to start significant investment that has bypassed this area for decades. And I hope our GAA clubs in the area stand up together to this terrible injustice for the vulnerable in our community

It is easy for referees to know if managers are lambasting them; easier for linesmen to judge if the behaviour of those - along the line; inside the wire is acceptable.
Does it happen?
No.
This acceptance by officials and the standard accepted by officials has a knock on effect to spectators. Is it OK to spout off at the referee?
And does the CCC not have a say in this?
And the hypocrisy of it all is the management (particularly if result goes their way) making their way to thank, congratulate the ref - arm around shoulder.
The standard of refereeing of our games in Antrim - on the field of play I think is very good - much improved. Players generally respect the ref and the rules. But managers, mentors and hanger ons are immune and play to the crowd.
Let us pay attention to poor conduct along the line and that will send out a message.
Or maybe it is part of our game .
And it is amazing sometimes the behaviour from certain people who hold jobs where respect for others would be the supposedly ethos of their organisation.
We need refs - their role is key to the improvement of our games .
Or are we about facilitating the loud mouths?
Hope not.