A record attendance of almost 2000 persevered foul weather conditions to watch favourites Loughgiel beat off a gallant challenge from rivals Dunloy to win the Antrim Senior hurling title in an exciting, hard struggle, which never reached great heights in hurling skill. This was mainly due to slippery conditions, a heavy ball and very close marking by both teams.
In a thrilling first half both sides were evenly matched with the score reading 2-2 to 1-1 for the shamrocks. In the second period the Loughgiel side dominated most of the play especially from their solid attacking halfback line of McMullan, Connolly and Eamonn McGarry.
This was the “rock that the losers perished on” as they, at no time could find the answer to the sure first time pulling of these players. Star of the winning side was midfielder Richmond who pulled all the strings in the midfield area and scored two excellent points in the game. The pick of the Loughgiel forwards were Liam McKendry, Barney Campbell and Brendan McGarry.
Teams
LoughgielJ. Coyle, P. McGarry, N. Patterson, L. McGarry (Capt.), S. McMullan, A. Connolly, E. McGarry, S. Richmond, D. Gillan, B. Campbell, D. Coyle, L. McKendry, B.McGarry, M. Connolly, J. McGarry
DunloyJ. Kearns, D. McAlonan, D. Boyle, J. McIlhatton, S. McCamphill, J. Robb, S.Heggarty, C. Brogan, A. McCamphill (Capt.), A. Kearns, C. Elliott, T. Brogan, W.Richmond, M. McCamphill, D. Martin
Sub: - J.P Kearns for D. Martin
Scorers