18 January 2009
Walsh Cup holders Antrim held off a late rally by Laois to make a successful start to the defence of their title at Rathdowney.
Having trailed by two points at half time Antrim got on top during the second half and took the lead for the first time when a long delivery from midfield by Brendan Herron deceived the Laois goalkeeper and ended up in the back of the net.
Kieran Kelly extended the lead before Dane Peacock pulled a couple of points back for the home side to cut the gap to one, but Pauls Shiels (who ended with seven points) sent over another free put them two clear.
Laois pushed hard to save the game and Peacock was unlucky when his goal bound shot came back of a post, but Antrim (without their Cushendall contingent) held out to book a place against Kilkenny in next Sunday’s semi-final.
From PRO:
Sambo, Woody and team have every reason to be immensely proud of Antrim Senior Hurlers tonight. A battle Royal was waged and won today, at Rathdowney,Co Laois, in the most in-hospitable conditions imaginable. Some members of the Antrim hurling team had been travelling from before 7 00 am, through snow, slush and sleet, to do battle with a very determined Laois side, at home.
Had it not been for the initial effort by Antrim, travelling to brave the atrocious weather conditions, this match could and would have been called off. The pitch looked well but was otherwise soft underfoot and in places was clearly not playable, in normal circumstances. The Rathdowney groundsman is likely to be sorely vexed when next he walks his pitch. That said, there was no quarter either asked for or expected, from the throw in. It was, on the day, a battle of raw courage from outset, with Laois showing every determination to get ahead and stay ahead, taking advantage of a strong wind, in the first half. However, the determination of Laois was ferociously matched by a determined Antrim defence. It has to be said that the standard of rugged defence, from both teams, was exceptional. At half time Laois led by 9 points to 7.
In the second half there was some evidence of tiredness, on both sides, and the pitch had taken on the proportions of a muddy paddock; the least of all situations for hurling. Mistakes were inevitable and ball bounce was barely optional in many situations. Unfairly, it would seem for Antrim, the wind strength was easing or so it seemed. Again both teams battled and dug deep; this was to become an epic battle of both minds and bodies. Courage and hunger would win the day and both were in evidence and abundance from outset. Antrim continued to pile on the pressure and add to the points. Michael Herron, time and time again was awesome in terms of his attacking play and sheer tenacity on the ball; as was Ciaran Mc Gourty in defence and Karl Stewart around mid field and up front but it has to be said that this really was a whole team effort; with no one found wanting despite the harsh conditions.
Antrim Senior Hurlers were in no mood to accept defeat. Paul Shields seemed almost unaware of the conditions and had a fine day out, with 8 points to his credit. The three Antrim forwards all played their part, with two points each from Kieran Kelly and Paddy Doherty and one from PJ O' Connell. Brendan Herron cut in a well aimed ball, some 45 metres from the sideline, which the Laois keeper fumbled, only to find the sliother settled in the back of his net. This was to be the long awaited cream on top for Antrim. This was truly a great day for Antrim Hurling, with players duly tested to their maximum, in terms of match fitness, tenacity and sheer determination, albeit in abominable weather conditions.
Antrim Senior Hurlers acquitted themselves with distinction today, in terms of the manifestation of pride in their jersey, in conditions best suited to the game of Rugby League. As such they are well worthy of our utmost respect.
Lawrence Smyth PRO.
