Antrim 3-10
Down 3-9

by Lorraine McCartan

This thrilling All-Ulster, All-Ireland Premier Junior Championship Semi-Final was one which could have gone either way at any time. Both teams had spells when they were playing the better camogie but all round they gave the spectators value for money. Down got off to the better start when Fionnuala Carr's long strike found its way to the net but Jane Adams kept Antrim in it with 2 points. The latter notched up 6 of Antrim's 7 points to finish the half with the impressive Creggan's Shannon Graham getting the other whereas Down had scores from 15 year old Niamh Mallon (1-0), Sara-Louise Carr (0-1) and a fine goal from Ballycran's Catherine McGourty when a long ball bounced off the upright and McGourty sent it past the young Antrim keeper Cathy McCarry.

Half time - Down 2-5 Antrim 0-7

Whatever Antrim Manager, Mickey McCullagh, said in the changing rooms it certainly worked when on the resumption Adams got the 1st of her 3 goals of the half. However, Down continued to harry and were rewarded with points from Niamh Mallon and a Paula Gribben goal which dropped in over the keeper's head. Down's Fionnuala Carr got further points from frees but one from Antrim's Shannon Graham saw them finish a single point ahead at the final whistle to book their place in the final in Croke Park in September to play Waterford.

Down Panel: Joanne Fitzpatrick (Atticall), Aoibhne ONeill, Fiona O'Neil (Ballela), Catherine McGourty (Ballycran), Karen Tinnelly (Ballyholland), Alannah Savage (Ballygalget), Martina Doyle (Bredagh), Lisa McPolin, Moya McGinn, Fionnuala Carr, Paula Gribben, Sara-Louise Carr, Orla Maginn, (Clonduff), Cáitríona McCrickard, Lisa McCrickard (Capt), Ciara McGovern, Karen McMullan, Emma McCormick, Clare Malone, Kelly O'Higgins (Liatroim), Maria McNally, Niamh Mallon (Portaferry). Manager: Brian Murphy Tweet

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