Power NI Helping Hand backs Antrim ladies on road to All-Ireland glory

Power NI’s Senior Marketing Manager Amy Bennington pictured with some of Antrim’s All-Ireland Junior Football Championship winning team. 

A £1,200 Helping Hands boost from Power NI helped Antrim’s ladies prepare for a day to remember at Croke Park — one that ended with the Saffrons lifting the All-Ireland Junior Football Championship trophy after a breathtaking last-gasp victory over Carlow.

The funding, provided by Power NI, part of Energia Group, was used by the Antrim LGFA coaching team to purchase new training equipment and footballs ahead of the final at the national stadium.

But while the support helped with preparations off the pitch, it was what happened in the dying seconds on it that provided the unforgettable conclusion.

With the teams level and a replay looming, Maria O’Neill struck the winning point with just 15 seconds remaining, securing a record-equalling fourth All-Ireland Junior Football Championship title for Antrim.

Helping Hand ahead of Croke Park

Power NI provided the £1,200 through its Helping Hands initiative, which enables employees to nominate grassroots sports clubs and community organisations for financial support.

Antrim LGFA was among those nominated by Power NI employee Amy Bennington, with the funding arriving as the team prepared for its appearance at a sold-out Croke Park.

The contribution provided practical support for the squad, covering the cost of equipment and footballs needed during their preparations for the championship decider.

For Antrim Senior Ladies’ Manager Chris Scullion, lifting the trophy provided the perfect way to round off the campaign.

“I want to say a big thank you to Power NI for once again providing us with funding,” he said.

“We’re pleased that we could repay our very generous sponsors by beating Carlow and lifting an All-Ireland title once again.”

Final goes down to the wire

Antrim had gone into the break with a two-point advantage, leading 1-5 to 0-6, but Carlow refused to allow the Saffrons to pull clear.

The Leinster side fought their way back into contention during the second half and dramatically drew level in the 59th minute when substitute Megan Townsend found the net.

Suddenly, with the clock almost exhausted, the prospect of a replay loomed large.

Antrim had one final opportunity — and O’Neill made it count.

Her point with only 15 seconds left proved decisive, delivering the championship to Antrim and sparking celebrations among the players and supporters at Croke Park.

The victory secured Antrim’s fourth All-Ireland Junior crown, equalling the competition record and completing a hugely successful campaign.

From last year’s heartbreak to All-Ireland champions

The manner of the victory carried added significance for a team that knew only too well the disappointment of leaving Croke Park without the trophy.

Antrim had reached the same championship decider in 2025, only to suffer defeat against Louth.

Twelve months later, faced with another final balanced on a knife-edge, the Saffrons held their nerve.

This time, there would be no runners-up finish.

O’Neill’s late intervention transformed the closing seconds into a moment that will be remembered long after the final whistle — turning last year’s disappointment into an All-Ireland celebration.

Power NI employee proud to support the team

Amy Bennington, one of the Power NI employees who nominated Antrim LGFA for Helping Hands funding, said she was proud to see the support contribute towards the team’s preparations.

“I am very proud to work for a company that allows staff to support local community teams and organisations,” she said.

“It was great to see the team receive funding from Power NI to help with their preparations for such a big occasion.”

Power NI’s Helping Hands initiative has supported grassroots sports clubs and community organisations across Northern Ireland for more than a decade.

The programme provides funding towards equipment, activities and initiatives, with employees able to put forward organisations making a difference in their communities.

For Antrim LGFA, this season’s support came ahead of the biggest game of their campaign — and ended with the biggest prize.

A £1,200 Helping Hand had assisted the preparations; 15 seconds from the final whistle, O’Neill supplied the finishing touch, sending the Saffrons home from Croke Park as All-Ireland champions.