12 April 2010
The final league game for Antrim today, in Division Three, was in effect an end to end battle from start to finish. On the day Wexford were well fired up and determined to fight to the bitter end; knowing at outset that they had an almost impossible and uphill battle, but odds notwithstanding never giving up the struggle for promotion.
Wexford were impressive on many occasions and their corner forward, Ciaran Lyng, in particular, was on target again and again. Wexford were at home and hungry; they got the rub of the green on the day, off to a flying start with a superb early goal and yet only in the dying minutes did they emerge with a two point margin, in a very competitive and closely contested battle.
No less than seven members of the Antrim team managed to get their names on the scoreboard, which demonstrates cohesive effort. However, Antrim had repeating opportunity but in turn failed to take advantage of a strong breeze in the first half and again, but for the keepers head, could have had a great goal in the second half. Six first half wides were just a few too many and arguably thereby, a chance was lost. Antrim were a point down at half time and had to contend with a storming and determined Wexford team, with the wind in their backs in the second half; it is to their credit that once again little quarter was given by the Antrim defence.
Wexford appeared to perhaps win just a few too many frees in front of goal and around the 14 to 20 metre area; an astute observer could not have failed to notice some real evidence of tactical play, on the part of some Wexford players. Others might suggest that this is all part of the game and it is up to the referee in the final analysis, to adjudicate on the balance of play. In any event Wexford really stepped up to the mark, however difficult to accept; they forced the pace and kept up their work rate, doing enough to win. It would be unfair to suggest that they did not deserve to win on this vigorous performance.
All that said and done, 2010 has seen another remarkable league performance from Antrim Senior Footballers. Back to back promotion does not come easily nor from any streak of good luck; Antrim are League leaders of Division 3 on merit and as of right. The League final, in two weeks time, holds a lot of promise and a double header with Down / Armagh, is surely worthy and deserving of a great day out in Croke Park. For so many good reasons it would again do a power of good for GAA in Ulster, a Province that has unquestionably made a huge contribution to the success of Gaelic games in the last decade.
Final score: Wexford 1g 11p – Antrim 0-12p.
Antrim scorers: P. Cunningham 4[3frs] Michael Mc Cann 2, Brendan Herron 2, Terry O’Neill 1, James Loughrey 1, Gerard O’ Boyle 1, Tomás Mc Cann 1.
