Cold comfort for Antrim as Dublin show little mercy to debutants

THERE were very few positives to be taken from this historic Leinster SHC quarter-final in Croke Park yesterday, certainly not for Antrim who, after years of agitation, were making their first appearance in the province.

Despite the fact there was just a point in it at the break, Dublin leading 1-6 to 0-8, still just a goal in it 15 minutes into the second period (1-10 to 0-10), this was a dull, lifeless affair.

Afterwards, the thousands of Dub football supporters who made their way onto The Hill a little earlier than normal must have been left wondering what the hell all the fuss is about over hurling – this was not a good advert for the game, not a good advert for the Leinster championship, but most of all, not a good advert for Antrim hurling, a fact acknowledged afterwards by crestfallen joint manager Terence McNaughton.