In the semi-finals of the Tailteann Cup, Antrim, Down, and Sligo earned their spots thanks to victories over Fermanagh, Wicklow, and Limerick respectively, all taking place on Saturday.
Despite trailing 0-8 to 0-2 at half time against Fermanagh at Brewster Park, Antrim pulled off an impressive second-half comeback. Andy McEntee’s Saffrons made a substantial recovery as they started to catch up with the home team. Antrim’s bench notably contributed five points post-interval.
The first half saw Seán Cassidy, Ultan Kelm, Declan McCusker and Fionan O’Brien scoring for Fermanagh, establishing a lead of six points by the break. Ronan McCaffrey added another point at the beginning of the second half but Antrim began to dominate. Substitutes like Peter Healy, Daniel McNicholl, Eoin Hynds and Dominic McEnhill all scored and they began to close in on the deficit.
Fermanagh maintained their four-point lead with just 10 minutes left, but scores from Healy and Patrick McBride followed by a netting from Cathal Hynds in the 68th minute flipped the game on its head. Fermanagh strived for the much-needed goal, but it was Eoin Hynds who extended Antrim’s lead, sealing their place in the semi-finals.
Down concluded their match with a strong finish, beating Oisín McConville’s Wicklow team by nine points, 1-18 to 0-12.
John McGovern netted the game’s only goal five minutes in, beating Wicklow’s goalkeeper Mark Jackson. With Pat Havern scoring a few, the Mourne men quickly enjoyed an early 1-2 to 0-0 lead. Wicklow responded with Chris O’Brien, Jackson and Kevin Quinn making their mark. Yet with Havern and Daniel Guinness also scoring for Down, they held a four-point lead by half-time, resulting in a final score of 1-6 to 0-5.
Down held their ground prominently during the latter half of the match with key contributions from Shealan Johnston, Liam Kerr, Danny Magill, and Ryan McEvoy as they extended their lead. Despite efforts from Oisín McGraynor, Jackson, and Patrick O’Keane who scored for Wicklow, Down sailed smoothly to victory.
On the other hand, Sligo showcased unmatched dominance from the outset until the end, swatting aside the resistance put by Limerick at Markievicz Park, securing a commanding win with a score of 2-20 to 0-9. Seán Carrabine led the charge brilliantly for the hosting team showcasing excellent form, marking a score of 0-7 during the game.
Only 18 minutes into the game, Sligo managed a 0-8 to 0-1 lead and pushed the difference further to eight by the interval at 0-13 to 0-5. The team continued to impose their dominance in the latter half, with Lee Deignan securing a goal at the 45-minute mark, which was complemented by Patrick O’Connor with an added goal in the 65th minute, rounding off a victory by a considerable margin.