Antrim Reach First Ulster Final Since 1971

Ulster SFC Semi-Final
Antrim 0-13 Cavan 1-7

By Denis O'Brien

The Glens of Antrim rang with celebration over the weekend as Antrim gained entry to their first Ulster football final in 39 years when they deservedly saw off a late Cavan challenge in Clones on Saturday evening.

Apart from late periods of the first and second halves, Antrim were in control in this Ulster semi-final with Cavan left to chase the game throughout.

In the final quarter of the game, Antrim were looking good when leading by six with a limited Cavan struggling to make an impression. However, Cavan were thrown a lifeline with a 58th minute goal by substitute David Gibney.

Moments later, sub Larry Reilly sent over an inspirational point to leave the Breffini trailing by two to set up an exciting finale.

Antrim, who seemed to be tiring, never panicked though and hit back with a late Paddy Connaughton point to stretch the lead to three.

Despite Cavan gunning for a last gasp equalizer Antrim held out for a famous victory and the right to meet All Ireland champions, Tyrone in the final.

Although hitting a series of early wides, Cavan's Seanie Johnston eventually got his side going when lofting over a fourth-minute point. A good reply from a fisted effort from Antrim full forward Sean Burke tied the sides in an energetic start to the game.

The teams then traded scores through Johnston and Thomas McCann before a very composed and assured Antrim attack hit five unanswered scores with Terry O'Neill, Michael McCann (0-2), James Loughrey and Cunnigham all on song.

During this period, Antrim had Cavan's half back line in serious trouble as the half forwards were creating opportunities running at the defense at every chance.

Thomas McCann then had a goal chance when one-on-one with Cavan keeper, James O'Reilly, but the Breffini man was equal to the task when pulling off a fine save.

Antrim were guilty of a pair of wides and for all their possession should have been further ahead.

In the best period of the game for Cavan a late flourish saw them shoot three points in succession to leave them behind by just 0-7 to 0-6 at the break.

Any notion that the Glens men were going to implode quickly evaporated on the restart when points from Michael McCann, Cunnigham (0-2) (both of former Boston vintage) and Aodhan Gallagher pushed Antrim five clear once more. Gallagher's score came from a pass from wing back James Loughrey who had won the ball with a great catch.

Cavan needed a score badly but weren't able to make any inroads through a tight Antrim defense.

With the lion's share of possession Antrim should have increased their lead however poor shooting left them down once more.

Justin Crozier's 52nd minute point restored Antrim's rhythm to leave two goals between the sides with Cavan failing to register a single score yet in the second period.

Then Martin Reilly saw a goal effort saved before minutes later Cavan pressing again won a '45. Martin Reilly drove the ball to the edge of the square where the ball broke to sub David Gibney who pounced on the breaking ball and he bundled the ball over the line much to the delight of the Breffini faithful.

Larry Reilly's fine effort a minute later left two in it with the game in the balance but Antrim showed plenty of composure with Cunnigham's late point.

The Glens men will be no push-over in the final. They combine well as a unit and have plenty of forwards who are able to take a score.

And, they also have that essential element that is critical to modern football - speed.

Teams & Scorers:
Antrim: P Graham: C Brady, A McClean, K O'Boyle; T Scullion, J Crozier (0-1), J Loughrey (0-1); N McKeever, A Gallagher (0-1); T O'Neill (0-1), K Brady, P Cunningham (0-4, 3f); S Burke (0-2), M McCann (0-2, 1f), T McCann (0-1). Subs: K Niblock for McKeever (59 mins), C Close for K Brady (64)
Cavan: J Reilly, M Hannon, D Sheridan, M Brides, J McCutcheon, E Keating, P O'Reilly, N Walsh, C Galligan, S Brady, R Flanagan, C Mackey, S Johnston (0-4, 2f), R. Cullivan (0-1), M Reilly (0-1). Subs: P Brady for P Reilly (21mins), R Dunne for McCutcheon (40), L Reilly (0-1) for S Brady (44), D Gibney (1-0) for Mackey (54), J O'Reilly for Keating (62)
Referee: J Bannon (Longford)