Scullion “absolutely delighted” for Saffrons to retain crown

By Shaun Casey

ANTRIM were “absolutely delighted” to retain their Ulster Junior Championship crown on Saturday afternoon according to joint-manager Chris Scullion.

The Saffrons were too strong for Derry on the day and cruised to a 15-point victory with goals from Aine Tubridy, Maria O’Neill and Aoibheann Monaghan proving crucial.

Reflecting on their comprehensive victory, Scullion said it was particularly satisfying to make amends for their recent Division Three final defeat to Louth.

“We’re absolutely delighted. It’s always special getting your hands on silverware,” said Scullion, who manages the team alongside Michael Devlin.

“We were disappointed after the National League final because we felt we let an opportunity slip there (against Louth). There was definitely a determination within the squad to make sure we responded positively and got our hands on a trophy again.

“What’s really pleasing from a management point of view is the consistency this group has shown. They’ve reached every final available to them over the last year and a half, which says a lot about their attitude and standards.

“To come through again and become Ulster Junior champions is a huge credit to the players and everyone involved with the panel.”

An unanswered haul of 2-4 during the opening half was where the game was won as it kept Derry at arm’s length throughout the second period. Scullion points out that they felt that the team was starting to impose themselves on proceedings even before their scoring burst.

“Even before that scoring spell, we actually felt we were creating plenty of opportunities and putting Derry under pressure,” he added.

“We didn’t get on the scoreboard until around the 14th minute, but there was never any panic because we could see the chances were there.

“We had a Aoibheann Monaghan goal disallowed before that period and it was probably a debatable call. There were another couple of goal chances we probably should have taken as well.”

He continued: “Emma Louise McAreavey was also very unlucky not to get a penalty just before half-time after a strong run through on goal. So although the scoreboard maybe didn’t reflect it early on, we felt the pressure and momentum were building.

“Once we finally got that breakthrough score, the team really settled and started to play with confidence and freedom. That scoring burst gave us a platform and from there the girls were ruthless in how they pushed the game on.”

Focus has already switched to the All-Ireland series as Antrim look to go one step further than last year and climb the steps of the Hogan Stand.

“From a management point of view, the planning for the All-Ireland series has already been ongoing in the background.

“Mickey and I always try to stay a step ahead in terms of preparation, but we keep the players focused on the next game and their focus was always fully on the Ulster Championship.

“Now that Ulster is finished, all attention turns towards the All-Ireland group stage and that opening game against Offaly in two weeks’ time.

“We only had 22 fit players available last weekend, so hopefully over the next couple of weeks we’ll see a few more players returning to full fitness and pushing for selection ahead of what will be another huge challenge.”