Carlow shocked by Saffrons
Thursday, 8 July 2010
Cushendall came up just short in the final of the Feis Cup last weekend, losing narrowly to old rivals Dunloy in an extra-time thriller.
ANTRIM hurlers recorded their first win in the All Ireland qualifiers for three years on Saturday, but left it late to book their place in the next round.
The game appeared up for Dinny Cahill's troops with just a few minutes of their Phase One clash with Carlow remaining but somehow they summoned up enough reserves of strength and skill to get over the line.
It was a victory of enormous significance and one which should give the squad renewed confidence as they look ahead to what the draw for the next round might bring.
The southerners took the game to their hosts from the off and dominated for long periods of a pulsating match.
But once Antrim got a sniff of victory they pounced, led superbly by Karl McKeegan.
The former skipper showed all his all leadership qualities as he fired over three crucial points which proved the difference in the end. Two points late in the game broke Carlow hearts and ensured that Tipperary native Cahill would be driving the roads northwards for at least a couple more weeks.
“We are delighted to come through," admitted Cahill afterwards.
“But that is the character in this team, they were fighting right up to the last ball.
“We knew Carlow were going to be a tough nut to crack and the way the game went it was always an uphill task."
That will matter little now to the team and their supporters who cheered their heroes off the Casement Park pitch after witnessing a display which has served to restore some pride in the Saffron jersey.
Just a pity the footballers couldn't take a leaf out of the hurlers' book.
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