Loughgiel Shamrocks put Antrim SHC titles back-to-back for the first time in 40 years when they produced a late rally to edge out Cushendall in a thrilling county decider at Casement Park yesterday.

Loughgiel Shamrocks 1-14
Ruairi Og, Cushendall 0-14

Inspired by Liam Watson's 54th minute penalty, the champions scored an unanswered 1-4 in a frenetic finish to secure a record-equalling 17th county crown (Ballycastle had held the record since 1986). It was tough luck on Cushendall and, in particular, on Shane Naughton who shot 0-10 in a man of the match performance. They led by 0-14 to 0-10 after 47 minutes, but failed to score again as Loughgiel finished much the stronger to snatch the title from their grasp.

The sides were level five times in the first half before Cushendall put daylight between them for the first time when posting three points in-a-row between the 43rd and 47th minutes. But the game turned on a decision by referee Owen Elliott to award Benny McCarry a penalty, and up stepped county star Watson to blast the ball to the net.

That goal sparked the holders into life and with Martin Scullion outstanding at centre back, they pushed on to win thanks to late scores from Joey Scullion and James Campbell. Tweet

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