Antrim and Dublin share spoils in Leinster SHC thriller

Cian O'Sullivan rescued a draw for Dublin at a wet and chilly Corrigan Park in the opening round of the Leinster Senior Hurling Championship.

It was a thrilling finish to a game that epitomised championship hurling with Antrim looking in control for long stages, all built on a fast start, but they had to find a response after Dónal Burke hit the net on 67 minutes to give Dublin their first lead of the game.

But turn it around they did and just when it seemed as though their return to Leinster was about to be a glorious one, Cian O'Sullivan squeezed a shot inside the posts to ensure it finished honours even in a game in which both teams will reflect on with a sense of disappointment and relief.

Antrim have had a tendency to be slow starters, but not this time as they roared into the game with incredible intensity.

Keelan Molloy pointed them into an early lead and although Burke replied, the Saffrons owned the opening phase with Gerard Walsh and Conal Cunning landing.

That early effort was rewarded with the opening goal on eight minutes as Seaan Elliott forced a turnover and then sprinted in on goal. His shot was saved by Seán Brennan, but Conor Johnston was there to bat home the rebound to make it 1-04 to 0-02.

Burke and O'Sullivan were carrying the fight for Dublin who did settle and enjoyed a decent spell with four points on the spin, but Antrim steadied with Cunning converting frees.

The Dubs really ought to have had a goal on 29 minutes as Paul Crummey found himself with the goal at his mercy, but scrambled defence forced a rushed shot that went over.

Antrim goalkeeper Ryan Elliott then was forced into a smart stop from Burke after Elliott nailed a sideline for Antrim, but three in a row from Dublin left the minimum between