By Niall Gartland

A 12TH Antrim Senior Camogie Championship title in a row – and a tenth for their captain Amy Boyle.

Not that there’s any danger of getting bored of winning all those titles: the Loughgiel Shamrocks were pushed right to the brink in a classic encounter against rivals Dunloy on Sunday, an injury-time goal from hat-trick hero Annie Lynn proving absolutely pivotal in a 4-11 to 1-17 victory.

That goal was followed by a point by Marie Laverty, and in the remaining minutes of added time, the Shamrocks shut up shop at the back to secure their latest championship title.

So while Loughgiel will now have their sights on retaining their provincial crown, their ever-present in midfield, Boyle, certainly doesn’t take ruling the roost in Antrim for granted. It’s not easy being the hunted, but they always seem to find a way.

“When we play any of the teams in Antrim, they always seem to raise their game against us. I suppose they’re fighting that hard to make that breakthrough.

“It’s our 12th in a row and it is a long time for any team to sustain that level of dominance, and everyone probably wants to be the team to beat us. We just dig in and I suppose that’s a sign of true champions, that we’re able to do that.”

It was Boyle who played the perfect pass to Lynn at the start of extra-time for her third goal of the game, but her two goals midway through the first half were as important in their own way. It was a truly brilliant performance from the Loughgiel full-forward.

Boyle said: “Annie was up and down the whole time – she’s such a danger up front, especially in front of the net.

“She did unbelievably well for all three goals, and the free from Róisín McCormick to set up the second goal was class as well. Annie’s movement all day was brilliant, every time I looked up she seemed to be making those runs.”

The Loughgiel team is stacked with vastly experienced camogs who are weighed down with county medals, but there are also talented players coming through the ranks.

Boyle, who pocketed her 10th medal at the weekend, explained: “I don’t think there’s too many who have been involved in all 12. Caitrín Dobbin played in all 12 finals which is an unbelievable achievement.

“There were girls who picked up their first or picked up their 12th.

“You have the likes of Marie Laverty, who has come up through underage for us, and she settled into the game really well on Sunday even though it’s her first year starting for us. She was on the panel last year and she’s really pushed on – she’s a fantastic talent.”