Strong Second Half Sees Senior Hurlers Overcome Antrim In Belfast

Sun, 13th February 2022

Dublin 2-19

Antrim 2-15

Dublin’s Senior Hurlers continued their good start to the year, with victory over Antrim at Corrigan Park, Belfast on Saturday afternoon.

In blustery conditions, the sides were level at half time in their Allianz League tie.

But an improved second half performance- and a Paul Crummey goal- saw Dublin to victory as they maintained their unbeaten start to 2022.

Early scores from Fergal Whitely, Dónal Burke and Danny Sutcliffe helped Dublin settle well, as they led by 0-5 to 0-1 early on.

Antrim responded, however, and were in front by the 13^th minute, thanks to a well worked goal, finished brilliantly by Neil McManus.

Further scores from Antrim, coupled with several Dublin wides, meant the home side led by three approaching half-time.

However Dublin were awarded a penalty in first half injury time after a foul on Ronan Hayes. Dónal Burke netted the penalty to ensure the sides went in level at the break.

Dublin were much-improved after half-time and started the second period strongly, outscoring Antrim by six points to two in the opening 13 minutes.

The hosts fought back again with a penalty of their own on 49 minutes- scored by McManus again- which reduced Dublin’s lead to a point.

But Dublin responded immediately with their second goal of the game- a well-worked score, with Eamonn Dillon racing clear and setting up Paul Crummey to finish to the net.

That goal proved to be the game’s crucial score, with further points from John Bellew, Danny Sutcliffe, Jake Malone, Chris Crummey & Dillon ensuring Dublin won out in the end by four points.

Next up for our Senior Hurlers is a trip to Thurles to take on Tipperary on February 26^th.

Teams:

Dublin: Alan Nolan, Andrew Dunphy, Eoghan O’Donnell, Cian O’Callaghan, John Bellew, Paddy Smyth, James Madden, Chris Crummey, Conor Burke, Dónal Burke, Rian McBride, Danny Sutcliffe, Fergal Whitely, Ronan Hayes, Paul Crummey.

Subs: Eamonn Dillon for Ronan Hayes (45 mins), Jake Malone for Rian McBride (56 mins), Aidan Mellett for Paul Crummey (59 mins), David Keogh for John Bellew (60 mins), Colin Currie for Fergal Whitely (70 mins).

Antrim: Ryan Elliott, Niall O’Connor, Gerard Walsh, Stephen Rooney, Paddy Burke, Eoghan Campbell, Joe Maskey, Scott Walsh, Keelan Molloy, Niall McKenna, Domhnall Nugent, Neil McManus, Sean Elliott, Conor Johnston, Conal Cunning.

Subs: Michael Bradley for Scott Walsh (54 mins), Eoin O’Neil for Domhnall Nugent (54 mins), James McNaughton for Conor Johnston (54 mins), Daniel McKernan for Keelan Molloy (69 mins), David Kearney for N O’Connor (70 mins).

Dublin Scorers: Dónal Burke 1-09 (0-7f, 1-0 penalty), Paul Crummey 1-0, Fergal Whitely, Danny Sutcliffe (0-02 each), John Bellew, James Madden, Chris Crummey, Rian McBride, Eamonn Dillon, Jake Malone (all 0-01).

Antrim scorers: Neil McManus 2-07 (0-05f, 0-01 ‘65, 1-00 penalty), Keelan Molloy, Conal Cunning 0-02 each, Paddy Burke, Niall McKenna, Conor Johnston, James McNaughton (f) 0-01 each.