Late Wicklow flurry dashes Antrim’s Tailteann Cup dream

Antrim 3-15 Wicklow 2-19

Oisin McConville’s Wicklow kicked the final five-points in their quarter-final clash with Antrim to advance to the final four of the Tailteann Cup. The Saffron’s were nine-points clear during the second half, but came up short.

Both sides hit the net during the opening period, although Dean Healy’s effort was disallowed. Ryan McQuillan netted for the home side and that helped Mark Doran’s men lead by the narrowest of margin, 1-7 to 0-9 at half time.

Antrim started the second half brilliantly with Tiernan McCormack and Paddy McAleer finding the net, although Oisín McGraynor claimed a three-pointer at the other end to keep the Leinster men in touch.

Dominic McEnhill fired over a two-pointer before Antrim had another goal effort, from the penalty spot, saved by Wicklow keeper Mark Jackson. Eoin Darcy then rattled home a penalty rebound after John McNabb saved the initial shot and Wicklow kicked on from there.

McConville’s men hit six of the last nine-points of the afternoon at Corrigan Park to knock Antrim out of the competition and book their spot in the semi-final draw.