Antrim's labour intensive display, that just about scraped victory, was testimony to Derry's vibrant challenge in a tense and exciting Ulster senior hurling final that did much to improve the image of the game in the province at Casement Park yesterday.
Derry's failure to capture the title after 90 barren years could be put down to inexperience, although there was plenty of evidence that the rapidly maturing team may yet come good and Antrim made heavy work of quashing Derry's challenge. Indeed, a match of fluctuating fortunes ended with Oliver Collins, the inspiring force behind this Derry side, trying for a goal with a searing shot off a 30-yard free that whizzed just over the bar.
Although wind assisted in the first half, Derry were slow into their stride and, before they knew what was happening, found themselves trailing by four points. However, despite consistent possession and the intimidating length of wing back Seamus McMullan's deliveries Antrim were not matching Derry's greater awareness with scores on the board.
Antrim's trouble stemmed not so much from the wides they shot as the numerous "short balls" that were covered with composure by Derry goalkeeper Kieran Stevenson.
Antrim did finish up with a dismal 17 wides and Derry were not far behind them with 14 but somehow Antrim seemed better able to cope with this problem than Derry who could ill afford such a high rate of wayward shooting.
Derry settled going into the second quarter and had drawn level in 17 minutes, Gary Biggs having got them off the mark after 14 minutes.
That spell of retaliation suggested that Derry were not going to be easy to beat and so it proved.
Dual player Geoffrey McGonigle set their challenge alight with a brilliant goal in 21 minutes. Collins cut a sideline ball from 40 yards and the adroit McGonigle scored with an overhead flick. That gave Derry the lead for the first time (1-4 to 0-5 and they led by 1-6 to 0-8 at half time).
Derry threatened to stretch that lead early in the second half but after Collins and McGonigle missed chances and Michael McCormack was pulled down en route to goal, Antrim got well and truly into a winning groove.
A flow of points followed from the sticks of Greg O'Kane (2), Alistair Elliott (2), John McIntosh, John Carson and two more from frees by O'Kane.
Antrim appeared to have it in the bag, an opinion reinforced by Alistair Elliott who offered the perfect riposte to Gary Biggs subsequent goal, with a confidently taken goal of his own.
However, Derry never believed the fight was over and Collins along with Paddy McElvaney, Biggs and McGonigle threatened to turn the tide right to the end.
