14 February 2010
Antrim O – 6 v 0 – 16 Tyrone
In their second game in the Shamrock Cup Antrim lost to a much slicker Tyrone team in a game played on an immaculate surface at Cargin.
In a first half played at pace there was little to separate the teams. Both teams showed good determination and attacking flair, high fielding around the middle but both teams perhaps not getting to grips in defence.
At midfield Marc McGowan for Antrim and Niall McKenna for Tyrone gave a master class in the art of high fielding.
At half time Antrim trailed by two points 0-4 to 0-6. Antrim’s scores coming from their full forward line, Colm Fleming (0-3) and Paul Rush (0-1).
The second half was a different story. Tyrone raised the tempo and Antrim found it difficult to respond. Antrim did have chances to score goals but on the day it wasn’t to be.
Antrim did get scores from Paddy Gallagher and Brian McQuillan but Tyrone ran out ten points to the good.
While some of the players played to near their potential for too many it became a steep learning curve on what it takes to play at inter-county level. While the game next week against Down is important the preparations for the championship game in mid-March against Monaghan will have to be full on.
Antrim
John McNabb (Cargin), Daryl McAlernon (Aghagallon), Paddy Fitzpatrick (Sarsfields), Chris McVeagh (Aldergrove), James Laverty (Cargin), Paddy Gallagher (Glenavy), Sean Finch (Rossa), Marc McGowan (St.Galls), Marty Graham (Ahoghill), Marty Kane (Cargin), Fearghal Burke (Aldergrove), Diarmuid Quinn (Rasharkin), Colm Fleming (Rossa), Paul Rush (St.Pauls), Paul McCann (Cargin)
Subs used. Paul Johnston (St.Teresas), Sean Redmond (Tir na n-Og), Brendan McCrudden (Lamh Dhearg), James Henry (Aldergrove)
