A stylish display from Antrim as they demolish Kildare!!

Antrim minors fresh from their Jersey launch and healthy breakfast in The Felons Bialann Beal Feirste travelled to Newbridge in County Kildare for their opening match. The weather did not lend itself well to camogie as a strong gale-force wind helped neither team. The first half began with Antrim captain Teirna Carson winning the toss and opting to play with the wind aiding the saffrons. This tactic was to prove wise as the girls used the elements to carry the sliotar down field toward the Kildare goal. Antrim’s Caitlin Dobbin, Mary McToal and Sinead Convery were quickly playing off each other and with skill and determination the girls placed the sliotar between the uprights to secure the first score of the match. The Kildare defence were unable to stop the Antrim onslaught as the scores mounted and the saffrons confidence grew. Kildare pulled a goal back despite the best efforts of Antrim keeper Una McKeown. The Antrim girls did not let this impact them and continued on placing well-targeted scores on the board.

The weather already stormy due to the high winds took a turn for the worse and the sky darkened and a hail came down in Newbridge; however did not dampen the spirit of the saffron’s as they carried on keeping the Kildare girls in their own half despite them having the advantage of the wind. Clodagh McKillop, Niamh McVeigh and Katie McKillop when called upon kept the Antrim line clear and gave the sliotar to Captain Teirna Carson who sent it back down into the Kildare danger zone. The introduction of Antrim subs gave the girls fresh momentum and Courtney Mullan played a great ground shot into the path of the full forwards only for the sliotar to be cleared of the line denying Antrim another goal in the last minutes of the game. The Antrim minors came off the field clear winners showing throughout the game talent and skill in all areas of the pitch.

Final score: Antrim 3:10 Kildare 1:01

Manager Ryan O’Neill was delighted with this victory and praised the girls work rate and commitment despite the conditions they had to endure throughout the match and is looking forward to their next game.

Antrim: Una McKeown, Clodagh McKillop, Niamh McVeigh, Katie McKillop, Tierna Carson, Chloe Higgins, Claire McKillop, Dervla Cosgrove, Louise McKillop, Martine McCann, Laoise McKenna, Niamh McKee, Caitrin Dobbin, Mary McToal, Sinead Convery

Subs: Jade Bradley, Ciara McAuley, Aislinn Elliot, Caitlin Fox, Oonagh Black, Aimee McDonnell, Courtney Mullan, Caoimhe McAteer, Dara Martin, Carla Scannell, Alicia McAuley