O’Neill inspires Antrim to victory over Derry

TG4 ULSTER JUNIOR FINAL

Antrim 3-8 Derry 2-7

PLAYER of the match Maria O’Neill contributed 2-2 as Antrim were pushed all the way by Derry in an exciting Ulster Junior decider.

The Oakleafers had an excellent first quarter and led by four points thanks mainly to an Aine McAllister goal in the 13th minute.

Entering the second quarter O’Neill goaled for the Saffons to close the gap. Further points were exchanged but it was Derry who went in at the break ahead 1-5 to 1-4.

Theresa Mellon struck an Antrim goal five minutes into the second half to put the Division Four league champions ahead for the first time.

The Saffrons continued to press for goals but the Derry defence were brave and prevented three goals.

The Antrim girls did manage a third goal with eight minutes left, O’Neill the scorer.

While Antrim were now six points ahead Derry kept fighting and were rewarded with an Aine McAllister major to leave just three between them.

Antrim did have the last say with a Laura Dahunsi and went on to win by four, a lot smaller margin than many expected.

Antrim: A Devlin; A. Kelly, M Blaney, M Mulholland; S O’Neill, C Brown (0-1), C McKenna; A Mulholland (0-1), O Todd; T Mellon (1-0), M O’Neill (2-2), A Kelly; B Devlin (0-2)(capt.), L Agnew, Á Tubridy.

Subs Used: L Dahunsi, D Coleman, N Jones, L Adams

Derry: T Cassidy; C Dillon, G Brewster, J Corr; O McEvoy, S Hargan, B Donnelly; L Brewester, A Crozier (capt.); C Hargan, A Ni Lochlainn (0-4), A Martin; A McAllister (2-0), C Donnelly (0-1), O McGeough (0-1).

Subs Used: A Donnelly, B Brolly, N O’Donnell, C O’Kane, J Slevin

Referee: G Gormley (Tyrone)