26 January 2009
The eagerly awaited hurling match in casement Park today, between Antrim and Kilkenny, proved to be good day for Antrim hurling.
We did not win nor were we in truth expected to, but we got the next best result with some good periodic displays and strong individual performances, especially in the first half.
Even the weather was kind to both players and supporters alike, in Casement today with more than a fair share of pale winter sun.
Antrim came out strongly in the early stages of the game and appeared to be set in their determination to avoid unwelcome embarassment at the hands of Kilkenny.
It has to be acknowledged at that Kilkenny were sufficiently confident as to agree to travel to Casement in the first instance, when they did not have to and again Kilkenny fielded a relatively experimental team on the day.
This combination made for a good game of hurling and both teams were given a warm reception at outset with a further standing ovation from supporters as they left the field, following the final whistle.
Again, given the way in which Kilkenny sustained pressure throughout the game, it has to be said that Kilkenny appeared to be in complete control, with sufficient energy and skill in reserve, as to be under no real threat.
This was an occasion where Antrim were not going to be permitted to steal a victory on the day.
Lawrence Smyth
Chris O'Connell
Kieran McGourty
Neil McGarry
Conor McKinley
Johnny Campbell
Neil McAuley
Ciaran Herron
Brendan Herron
Paul Shields
Michael Herron
Martin Scullion
Karl Stewart
PJ O'Connell
Kieran Kelly
Paddy Doherty
Ryan McGarry
Mickey Kettle
Dan McKillop
Simon McCrory
Stephen Shannon
Colm Duffin
Seamus Dobbin
RTE
There was no repeat of last year's shock victory for Antrim, the reigning Walsh Cup champions, as a late surge helped Kilkenny win today's semi-final clash at Casement Park.
The All-Ireland kingpins were 1-06 to 0-08 behind at half-time with PJ O'Connell netting for Antrim and Paul Shields striking four points.
Kilkenny got a goal through Richie Hogan, and although the impressive Michael Herron levelled with Antrim's second goal, nearing the hour mark, the Cats pull cleared again with scores from John Mulhall and Michael Rice.
BBC
Holders Antrim put up a brave display in Sunday's Walsh Cup semi-final as they were beaten by only four points by All-Ireland Champions Kilkenny.
The Saffrons led 1-6 to 0-8 at the interval at Casement with Paul Shields hitting four first-half points and PJ O'Connell notching the Antrim goal.
Richie Hogan's goal put the Cats ahead although Michael Herron's three-pointer brought the sides level again.
However, Kilkenny pulled clear late in the game with Hogan finishing with 1-7.
A crowd estimated to be in excess of 3,000 turned up on a fresh January day to see arguably the greatest team in the history of the game.
The Cats didn't have all their stars on show but the team did include regulars Hogan, Brian Hogan, John Tennyson, JJ Delaney and Jackie Tyrrell.
After Herron's 55th-minute goal had brought the sides level again, John Mulhall and Michael Rice were among the scorers as Kilkenny pulled clear.
To their credit, the Saffrons kept battling and Brendan Herron and Dan McKillop hit late points for the Ulster champions.
View Gallery
