22 March 2009
Antrim hurlers unbeaten run in Division 2 of the Allianz National Hurling League came to an abrupt end at Dr Cullen Park on Sunday when they were beaten by three points by Carlow after a scrappy and undisciplined display.
Facing a stiff breeze in the opening half Antrim started reasonably well but their lost their way as the half progressed and the dismissal of full-back Cormac Donnelly for a yellow card offence and goalkeeper Ryan McGarry for a straight red offence dealt their chances a heavy blow.
Antrim were now in disarray and before the break they conceded a second goal when Carlow substitute pulled a ground stroke to the net after good work by the home side’s best player Paudi Kehoe.
Eight points behind at the break Antrim looked like they could close the gap as they started the second half with much more vigour, but their insistence to go for goals when easy points were there for the taking cost them dearly.
A series of points from frees by Paul Shiels saw them close the gap to a single point at one stage, but the concession of a third goal and the loss of Paddy Richmond from another straight red card all but killed off the fight-back.
Substitute Neil McManus did manage to grab a late goal from a penalty but it was too little too late and Carlow held on for a deserved win, a result which all but ends Antrim’s promotion chances.
