Antrim 3-12 Wicklow 1-15:THE DEBATE about the Tommy Murphy Cup continues but undoubtedly Antrim were singing its praises after they gained revenge for last year's extra-time reversal to the same opponents.
And while Wicklow manager Arthur French was sporting towards the victors, he criticised the hierarchy who deemed teams with Division Four status would not have a route into the back-door qualifiers of the All-Ireland championship once they went out of their province.
"We proved how ridiculous that law was by beating Kildare in the first round in Leinster," he said. "And I think its total hypocrisy by the GAA, who had brought in this (competition) to help out the weak and the poor but inevitably end up helping the rich and strong."
To the game itself. French reckoned Antrim's two first-half goals ultimately shaped a contest that although beginning brightly faded badly after the break, with late points from Antrim's Thomas McCann enough to see his team over the line.
"We played well enough and we looked to be in control in the first half. We played some nice football but then got caught by a couple of goals," he said.
Antrim coach Jody Gormley believes the win - particularly because it was achieved at Croke Park - will stand them in good stead: "Victory might be a small step but it's a step in the right direction. You could see out there today what it meant to the players and what it meant last year to Wicklow to win this competition."
Antrim got off to a disastrous start with Wicklow full forward Seanie Furlong finding the back of the net off breaking ball after Paul Close had fielded a high ball at the edge of the square.
Wicklow continued to remain in front but Antrim struck a blow in the 23rd minute when Furlong's opposing number, Kevin Brady, beat Mervin Travers from close in.
Back to back points from from Ciarán Close then drew Antrim level for the first time in the half with the Glensmen then rocking their opponents with consecutive goals from Thomas McCann and Close to go seven points ahead.
Wicklow then posted consecutive scores to leave it 3-6 to 1-9 at half-time and although closing the gap to a point through Leighton Glynn with 15 minutes to go, the Garden county could never quite close the gap with McCann's back to back points on the hour proving enough in the end to seal the win.
ANTRIM: S McGreevey; C Brady, A McClean, P Conlon; T Scullion, T Convery, K O'Boyle; P Doherty, M McCann (0-4, 2 frees); P Close, J Crozier, B Hasson (0-2); T McCann (1-3, one 45), K Brady (1-0), C Close (1-3); M McGill for O'Boyle (50 mins), M McCarry for Doherty (52 mins), G Bell for P Close (70 (+3) mins).
WICKLOW: M Travers; C Hyland, D Power, A Byrne; R Nolan, D Ó hAnnaidh, L Glynn (0-3); J Stafford, T Walsh (0-1); J McGrath, T Hannon (0-6, 2 frees, one 45), P Earls (0-1); C Walsh (0-2), S Furlong (1-2), D Daly. Subs: P Dalton for Byrne (half-time), D Hayden for McGrath (63 mins).
Referee: V Neary (Mayo).
