Share of spoils helps Antrim to remain in hunt

ANTRIM atoned for their recent lapse against Cork by drawing with a strong Westmeath side in Division 2 Group 1 of the Littlewoods National League yesterday, a result which will add considerable spice to their forthcoming games against Down and Carlow.

Orla O’Hara and Siobhan McKillop scored Antrim’s goals as each side landed 2-10 with Marie McGrath and Pamela Grenville hitting the net for Westmeath.

Antrim still have their sights set on being in the title shake-up.

Meanwhile, Down put up a brave fight against Carlow before going down by 3-11 to 2-7, a result that still leaves them in danger of relegation, while Derry also suffered a setback when they fell to Laois in Division Two Group 2.

Derry had hoped to make the most of their home advantage but Laois racked up 4-5 with the Oak Leaf girls managing to total 2-9.

There was heartbreak for Cross and Passion College, Ballycastle when despite a dramatic second half comeback they were unable to get the better of Loreto, Kilkenny in the All-Ireland Senior Schools ‘A’ final.

The Ballycastle side trailed by 2-10 to 0-2 at the interval but two goals from McCormick and one each from Charley McCarry and Ciara Laverty underpinned their robust recovery.

However, Loreto Kilkenny held out to win by 2-18 to 4-8 in a tense finish during which the Co Antrim girls played themselves to a standstill.