By Cóilín Duffy

Eight players from Antrim helped create history on Saturday in Glasgow as 'Fir Uladh' picked up the Iomain Colmcille Shinty-Hurling title for the first time.

Former Antrim Senior hurler Áinle Ó Cairealláin delivered a Man of the Match performance, as Ulster claimed a 2-8 to 1-3 win over Scotland in Lochinch.

The former St. Pauls clubman, who now plays for Na Piarsaigh in Cork was solid throughout, and scored two points, one in either half in a game where Scotland took early control.

Despite poor weather conditions, with heavy rain throughout a keenly contested encounter was produced.

Level at 1-3 apiece at the interval, Ulster kicked on in the second half, affording 12 wides in the closing 35 minutes, on the way to victory.

Scotland led by 0-3 to 0-0 early on, but a Frankie Ó Ceallaigh goal brought Ulster back into contention.

Quick points from captain Malachi Ó hAgáin and O'Donovan Rossa's Oisin Mac an Bhocaire to move 1-2 to 0-3 clear by the 26th minute.

Scotland responded with a Lawrence MacNeacail Bellini goal, but St Galls's Sean Ó Corrain levelled matters at the interval.

Ó hAgáin, Áinle and Naoise Ó Caireallain; and Tír na nÓg's Colm Duffin led by example on the restart, with Mac an Bhiocaire netting his sides second goal to ensure a 2-6 to 1-3 lead entering the final quarter,

Cardinal O'Donnell's clubman Brian Fox also got in on the scoring and from then on there was no looking back.

Shamrocks Éamonn Mac Lochlainn and Ruaidhrí Mac Manais also were involved.

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