Donegal Minor Hurlers Surprise Antrim.
It doesn’t happen too often which makes it all the sweeter: a Donegal county hurling team deservedly beat their Antrim opponents. Admittedly the Saffrons fielded their U17 team but it must be remembered that the majority of the North West squad are also U17. A good day for manager Tom Clare and his boys; a good day for the support underage hurling is enjoying from the County Board; a great day for the teenage hurlers who are gradually coming of age.
The writing was on the wall from the early minutes: a point from Tom Clare followed by a goal from Conor Griffen set the tone. Antrim kept in touch, mostly from forays towards the Donegal goal. Further points from full forward Clare, half-back Jack O’Loughlin and a brace from mid-fielder Eddie Lynch left the home team leading 1-05 to 1-03 at the break. The loss of the influential Kyle McGrath midway through the opening half due to a shoulder injury was eased by a high quality substitution in James Doherty. The only other sub used was Macauley Carr (for Mattie Porter) whose speed on the wing impressed. In passing it might also be noted that the squad had several of the starting 15 unavailable due to injury.
Donegal started the second half with a flurry of scores. Goals in quick succession from Paul Nelson and Conor Griffen as well as points from Griffin, Clare, Sean Curran, Justin McBride and Sam Doherty ensured a well-earned victory. Antrim had a purple patch in the final quarter which kept the locals on their feet but it proved too little too late. The end result was: Donegal 3-10, Antrim 3-06.
The home team and management may be happy with the overall balance of the squad. The fact that eight Donegal names were on the scoresheet, that the bulk of the scores came from play, that six different clubs figured in the starting fiveteen and that the Antrim keeper had a busy and productive day promises well for the future of this young squad. This was their third game of the season and the first ever victory at Ulster ‘A’ level. Manager Tom Clare was particularly pleased that his squad put two good halves together.
The Donegal team was: David Ireland (St.Eunans), Kiaran Rami (Aodh Rua), Kyle McGrath (Burt), Eugene Drummond (Aodh Rua), Stephen Doherty (St. Eunans), Jack O’Loughlin (Buncrana), Justin McBride (Setanta), Eddie Lynch (Aodh Rua), Paul Nelson (Buncrana), Conor O’Grady (St.Eunans), Sam Doherty (Buncrana), Sean Curran (Mac Cumhaills), Conor Griffen (Mac Cumhaills), Tom Clare (Buncrana), Matthew Porter(Carndonagh). The subs used were James Doherty and Macauley Carr, both from Buncrana.
Referee Alan Nash, from Derry, kept the game flowing from start to finish.
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