Revenge was sweet for Antrim as they withstood a late rally from holders Wicklow to win the last ever Tommy Murphy Cup final in thrilling circumstances at Croke Park. Antrim..3-12 Wicklow..1-15 Wicklow broke Antrim hearts with a last-second winning goal in the corresponding game last year, but Jody Gormley's charges were not to be denied on this occasion, having laid the foundations for their victory with a three-goal blast in the closing 12 minutes of the first half. The holders, under the guidance of Arthur French, made a dream start when Seanie Furlong netted inside the first minute after the Antrim defence had failed to deal with John McGrath's high delivery. The Ulstermen hit back with points from Benny Hasson and Ciaran Close, but with Thomas Walsh in fine form at midfield, Wicklow surged into a five-point lead thanks to excellent scores from Leighton Glynn, Paul Earls and Walsh. After Furlong was denied a second goal by Andy McClean's goal-line clearance, Antrim suddenly came to life to go into the break leading by 3-6 to 1-9. First full forward Kevin Brady fired home after Close had stolen the ball from Alan Bryne, then Thomas McCann raced through to beat Mervyn Travers, and in the 32nd minute, Close netted from close in after McCann's initial effort had rebounded from the post. Wicklow regrouped at half-time and three Tony Hannon points had the sides level by the 51st minute. Impressive midfielder Michael McCann picked off a couple of nice points to put Antrim back in front, and Thomas McCann's effort had them two points clear going into the final 10 minutes. As the clock ticked down, Antrim fans were fearing a repeat of last year's late drama, but solid displays from Andy McClean and Tony Convery at the back ensured that the title was Casement Park-bound. Antrim: S McGreevy, C Brady, A McClean, P Conlon, T Scullion, T Convery, K O'Boyle, P Doherty, M McCann (0-4, 2f), P Close, J Crozier, B Hasson (0-2), T McCann (1-3, 1 '45'), K Brady (1-0), C Close (1-3). Subs: M Magill for O'Boyle (45mins), M McCarry for Doherty, G Bell for Close (69) Wicklow: M Travers, C Hyland, D Power, A Byrne, R Nolan, D O hAnnaidh, L Glynn (0-3), J Stafford, T Walsh (0-1), J McGrath, T Hannon (0-6, 2f, 1 '45'), P Earls (0-1), C Walsh (0-2), S Furlong (1-2, 1f), D Daly. Subs: P Dalton for Byrne (h-t), D Hayden for McGrath (62) Referee: V Neary (Mayo). Tweet

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