Scullion reflects on “special” success as Antrim clinch league title

By Shaun Casey

GETTING a hold of the Division Four league trophy was the goal at the start of the year for Antrim’s management duo of Chris Scullion and Michael Devlin and they fulfilled that target on Sunday afternoon.

The Saffrons shaded their league final clash with Ulster rivals Fermanagh, with two-points to spare in the end. In “a real battle”, it was Antrim who came out on top at Clones to get their hands on the first piece of silverware of the season.

While earning the trophy was a “special moment” for Scullion and Devlin, the development of the team during the league was huge for them moving forward.

“It was a brilliant day for the team, getting our first piece of silverware this season,” said Scullion. “On a personal note, it was a special moment for Mickey and me too, our first trophy coaching at this level.

“The girls had to dig deep to edge a very tight game against Fermanagh. It was a real battle. While we weren’t happy with our performance, the team showed real grit, and the impact from the bench was key in swinging the momentum our way at a crucial point.

“The biggest success from the league was developing the team as a unit, giving the full squad valuable game time and experience.

“As the campaign went on, we built momentum and learned how to win in different ways: by racing ahead, holding tight leads, and grinding out wins from behind.

“That kind of growth is massive and played a big part in Sunday’s win. Our main goal was promotion, that was the priority, but once you reach a final, the focus turns to lifting the trophy. Thankfully, we managed to do both.”

Goals win games and Antrim nabbed two of them on Sunday to win 2-7 to 0-11. Captain Maria O’Neill claimed the first major of the day while substitute Aoibhinn Monaghan also rattled the net.

“The goals were definitely vital against Fermanagh,” Scullion added. “Maria grabbed the first one, I think that was her ninth of the league. Fermanagh hit back quickly with points from play and we gave away soft frees in the scoring zone.

“We felt the game needed a spark in the second half, we were raising our energy levels and chasing the game, and after chatting with Mickey, we brought on Aoibhinn. We had a feeling she might find the net, and she did, at a key moment that helped swing momentum our way.

“I think those two took us to 40 or 41 goals in nine games. Sometimes we’re urging the girls to take their point, but they keep carrying through and hitting the back of the net, we can’t complain. We trust their decision making, and it’s paying off.”