13 March 2011
On a rainy, dirty day at Casement Park, Antrim hurlers ended the match with their by now traditional one point win over Carlow. Before the game Dinny had made two key observations: firstly that Carlow would offer us a tough game, and he was right about that; secondly, that it was important for Antrim to get back to winning ways and we be happy that was the case in the end. Carlow began well as they did in last year’s League game and the AI qualifier last July. They are an improving side and can no longer be regarded as a ‘banker’ . A full match report can be seen beneath this article. Next up for the hurlers is a trip to Westmeath on the 27th March.
Our footballers in the meantime travelled to Omagh for a match delayed by snow and eventually played in a gael force wind. We had the advantage of the strong breeze in the first half and when word filtered back to Casement of a half time 2 point advantage hopes of an upset were high. It would seem though that Antrim were blitzed on the resumption and Tyrone scored 7 points in a row. The game was not without its positive features including a goal scoring return to action for Thomas McCann. Full match report here, http://tinyurl.com/6e8a4oa
At the start of the League campaign, survival in Division was the stated aim. With that in mind the results of Sligo and Meath are of particular interest to Saffron supporters and both those sides lost again today. Sligo prop up the table with 1 point while ourselves and Meath have 2 each. It is much too early to get the calculators out but one thing is for sure; our next game, at home to Sligo next Sunday at 2.30pm is absolutely vital. We have lost to Sligo in Division 4 and 3 finals in the last two years but more importantly we have beaten them when it really mattered – the search for league points. Two next week would do nicely.
A word of thanks to the Club Aontroma volunteers today who braved frankly horrible conditions to sell the Dunsilly ballot – that is real dedication and hopefully not too many Antrim fans will have had the heart to pass them by without buying a ticket! They’ll be back next Sunday too.
Brendan Mulgrew
