St John's Ends 31-Year Final Drought with Antrim SHC Semi-Final Win

In the 2025 Antrim Senior Hurling Championship, Loughgiel Shamrocks secured their place in the final after a powerful seven-minute scoring surge turned the tide against Dunloy, culminating in a narrow victory that denied Dunloy a comeback despite their resilience. Meanwhile, St John's shocked defending champions Cushendall in an intense semi-final that extended into extra-time, marking their first final appearance since 1994 and ending a series of semi-final disappointments. Cushendall faced a setback when Neil McManus received a red card early in the second half, which shifted momentum in St John's favor, aided by key performances from Conor Johnston and Aaron Bradley. The match was fiercely contested, with St John's overcoming a four-point halftime deficit and winning through late frees by Shea Shannon, exemplifying their strong belief and determination. These developments set up a final between Loughgiel and St John's, highlighting a shift in dominance in Antrim hurling as traditional powers face stiff competition from rising teams.