08 March 2009
Antrim 0-15 – Westmeath 0-15
The senior hurling match in Casement Park today might, for some, be one to be written off rather than written about. Antrim as a team appeared dull and tired and were in fact depleted in number, understandably, given the cumulative effect of a period of intense work for key players and their experience of inordinate effort and out performance last week. Antrim hurlers had in effect to face a very demanding and unfair situation; we can only hope that they are not asked or expected to do this again for some time.
It should also be noted perhaps, that West Meath spotted Antrim weakness early; they smelt blood and essentially went all out for the kill. The half time score of ten points to eight was an indication of a less than mediocre Antrim performance. With the notable exception perhaps of Karl Stewart this was certainly not a good day out for Antrim forwards. By contrast eight times from nine attempts Karl Stewart made his mark, profiting handsomely from fouls to send frees over the bar with cool calm and collected precision. He also battled relentlessly, throughout the entire game and took more than a fair share of hard hits for his efforts. He is without doubt an outstanding example of skill, courage and determination.
Brendan Herron scored three points, his brother Michael two, with Karl Keegan and Colm Duffy one each. Antrim, as a team, clearly did not have the necessary hunger or the fight in them today nor did they have the firepower available, that they otherwise would have for the reasons explained at outset; they paid a price for this but it is an ill wind that does not do some good for someone, so West Meath can indeed be thankful. All things considered the Antrim team should have had, and would have well deserved that this match be deferred.
It is sometimes all too easy to avoid harsh reality and make excuse so as to opt out of taking responsibility. There was some evidence of repeating error today that is unlikely to escape the eagle eyes of managers and coaches alike. It is likely that when the stats are closely examined more than a few players will not want to believe what they are being told. This of course brings us back to ‘writing off’ rather than ‘writing about’ this match.
When all is said and done Antrim backs, tiredness not withstanding, did their job today, as did Ryan Mc Garry in goals, on more than a few occasions. Had our backline been weaker today we could all too easily have been undone, from some of the ferocious attacks on our goal. Again it might well be said that along with a considerable effort by West Meath, to exploit identified weakness, there was some evidence of just little bit of bias and a friendly nudging of injury time, by Meath referee. Lawrence Smyth County PRO
