Bord Gais Energy GAA Hurling All-Ireland U21 A Championship Semi-Final – Waterford 5-25 Antrim 1-8

Waterford defeated Antrim by 5-25 to 1-8 in the Bord Gais Energy GAA Hurling All-Ireland U21 A Championship Semi-Final on Saturday August 20th at Semple Stadium Thurles.

REPORT: #BGEU21 @WaterfordGAA defeat @AontroimGAA in @BGEHurlingU21 https://t.co/bU2zSuGt7O pic.twitter.com/2ggMwGdLX0

— The GAA (@officialgaa) August 20, 2016

BGE U21 Semi-Final: Waterford cruise to victory

Waterford 5-25 Antrim 1-8

By Cian O’Connell at Semple Stadium for GAA.ie

There was never any sign of a shock as a star studded Waterford cruised to a convincing win in Thurles. Antrim were spirited throughout, but Waterford, with Patrick Curran effective, had sufficient character and class registering a comfortable triumph.

Despite playing into the teeth of a strong breeze Waterford quickly seized control reeling off 2-5 without reply. Austin Gleeson was splendid at centre back, drilling a brilliant point which was followed by scores from Patrick Curran and Stephen Bennett.

Tom Devine pounced for a 12th minute goal for a dominant Waterford, who were dictating the agenda early on. In the 16th minute Waterford bagged a second major when Antrim corner back Eoin McManus, under duress from Stephen Bennett, put the sliotar into his own net.

Saul McCaughan eventually ended an 18th minute search for an Antrim score and the Saffrons rallied briefly. Waterford, though, weren’t overly concerned as Patrick Curran batted a third goal following a Ryan Elliott save from a Stephen Bennett shot. When the interval eventually rolled around Sean Power’s immensely promising Waterford side led by 3-10 to 0-6.

McCaughan drilled a goal for Antrim within 90 seconds of the restart, but Waterford responded once more. Gleeson’s 44th minute pass was gathered by Curran and his cute pass released Stephen Bennett, who rattled the Antrim net. From then until the bitter end Antrim battled, but Waterford closed out the deal with the minimum of fuss.

Scorers for Waterford: P Curran 2-7 (4fs), T Devine 1-2, Stephen Bennett 1-1, DJ Foran 0-4, M Kearney 0-4 (1 sideline), E McManus 1-0 (OG), A Gleeson 0-2, Shane Bennett 0-1, M O’Brien 0-1, A Farrell 0-1, P Hogan 0-1, J Fagan 0-1.

Scorers for Antrim: S McCaughan 1-4 (3fs), M Connolly 0-2 (1f), D Nugent 0-1, D McMullan 0-1 (f).

Waterford: G Power; W Hahessy, C Gleeson, D Lyons; M Harney, A Gleeson, C Prunty; C Roche, Shane Bennett; Stephen Bennett, T Devine, M O’Brien; M Kearney, DJ Foran, P Curran
Subs: P Hogan for Shane Bennett (17 mins), A Farrell for Roche (39 mins), B O’Keefe for Lyons (42 mins), J Fagan for Devine (44 mins), D Ryan for Gleeson (50 mins).

Antrim: R Elliott; G Walsh, T Burns, E McManus; D McMullan, P Burke, R McCambridge; C Ross, A Delargy; M Connolly, D Nugent, J O’Connell; S McCaughan, TT Butler, R McKee.
Subs: J Connolly for Ross (25 mins), R Gillan for Walsh (40 mins), C McNaughton for Nugent (43 mins), C McAllister for O’Connell (47 mins), R Delargy for McManus (52 mins)

Referee: D Hughes (Carlow)

Ticket Information
Adult: €15.00/£13.00
Concession (Student/OAP): €10.00 available at the venue on the day of the fixture with valid ID
Juvenile (Under 16 Years of Ages): €5.00/£5.00

Click here to purchase tickets in advance

Team News

The Waterford U21 Hurling team is announced! https://t.co/lVoLjmXEox pic.twitter.com/4gkp2GS8nA

— Waterford GAA (@WaterfordGAA) August 19, 2016

The Waterford Under 21 Hurling Team to face Antrim in the All Ireland Semi-Final on Saturday in Thurles at 4pm has been named!

1. Gavin Power (Dungarvan)
2. William Hahessy (Clonea)
3. Conor Gleeson (Fourmilewater)
4. Darragh Lyons (Dungarvan)
5. Míchéal Harney (Bunmahon)
6. Austin Gleeson (Mount Sion)
7. Conor Prunty (Abbeyside)
8. Mark O’Brien (Ferrybank)
9. Michael Kearney (Ballyduff Upper)
10. DJ Foran (Portlaw)
11. Tom Devine (Modeligo)
12. Colm Roche (Shamrocks)
13. Stephen Bennett (Ballysaggart)
14. Patrick Curran (Dungarvan)
15. Shane Bennett (Ballysaggart)