Antrim strolled to their eighth successive ESB Ulster MHC title with this most impressive victory over a battling Derry side in a lacklustre and one-sided final in Casement Park yesterday.

The winners were much superior in hurling skills, teamwork and finishing power although they also shot 16 wides while Derry, never gave up the battle.

The Antrim defence dominated throughout with Matthew Donnelly, Conor McClelland and Chris McGuinness giving away few chances while Conor Laverty and Stephen Smyth dominated midfield.

Up front Conor McCann, Michael Devlin and Stephen Beattie carried far too much power for Brian Og Magilligan, Dermot O’Neill and Ciaran Conway in an overworked Derry defence.

The Derry attack lacked penetration although Shane Farren, Conal O’Kane and Mickey McGlade worked hard.

Antrim attacked from the start and led by 1-5 to 0-2 at the end of the opening quarter with their goal coming from Stephen Beattie, who also added a point.

A second goal by Conor McCann increased the Antrim lead after 17 minutes. Although Conal O’Kane pointed three Derry frees Antrim held a comfortable 2-7 to 0-5 lead at half time.

Three times in 10 minutes after the interval points were exchanged before Antrim struck four unanswered points.

Conal O’Kane came back with a Derry point but in the final 10 minutes Antrim had further goals from substitute Ciaran Clarke and Conor McCann.

Antrim: M. Donaghy; R. McCloskey, M. Donnelly, C. McGuinness; C. Morgan, C. McClelland, J. McLister; C. Laverty, S. Smyth; S. Beattie (1-3), M. Devlin (0-4), D. McKinley (0-1); M. Lismore (0-2), C. McCann (2-3), S. McAfee. Subs C. Clarke (1-1) for S. McAfee; S. Shannon (0-1) for C. Morgan, C. Duffin (0-1) for D. McKinley; D. McPeake for R. McCloskey; R. O’Neill for M. Lismore.

Derry: K. McDermott; C. Convery, D. O’Neill, C. Conway; K.McKaigue, B. Herron, B. Og Magilligan; C. Gilmore, G. O’Neill; S. Farren (0-2), P.Kelly (0-1), O. O’Doherty; C. O’Kane (0-4), E. McKillion, M. McGlade (0-1). Subs: D. McCusker (0-1) for B. Herron; A. Armstrong for G. O’Neill; C. Cassidy for C. Gilmore; C. Farren for P. Kelly.

Referee: D. Magee (Down).