02 May 2009
Played in blustery conditions in Paric MacUilin, Antrim and Limerick served up a fine exhibition of hurling in this senior challenge match today.
With wind advantage in the opening half Antrim made a bright start and two points from debutant CJ McGourty and points apiece by Cormac Donnelly, PJ O'Connell and Neil McAuley gave the home side a four point cushion.
Boosted by a fine individual goal by Andrew O’Shaughnessy Limerick came back to level but Antrim went ahead again when Neill McManus hit a long range point, followed by a well taken goal and as they continued to dominate they added further points through McGill (2) and Sean Delargy to open up a 1-11 to 1-4 interval lead.
Limerick were dominant after the change of ends and seven point to just one reply by CJ McGourty saw them close to within a point. Antrim replied with points from Karl Stewart (65) and CJ McGourty but two O’Shaughney points and one from over ninety yards by Gavin Moloney saw the visitors take the lead with just five minute left for play.
To their credit Antrim came again and points from Karl Stewart and Paddy McGill put them a point clear, before O’Shaughnessy tied things up for the final time with a point in the seventieth minute.
ANTRIM – Chris O’Connell, Ciaran McGourty, Neil McGarry, Arran Graffin, Neil McAuley, Cormac Donnelly, Eddie McCloskey, PJ O’Connell, Paddy McGill, Dan McKillop, Neill McManus, Sean Delargy, CJ McGourty, Karl Stewart, Joey Scullion.
