Antrim produced a superb second-half fightback to come from seven points behind as they stunned Fermanagh with a 1-11 to 0-11 win at Brewster Park.
Seven down early in the second period, McEntee’s men chipped at the gap and with 68 minutes on the clock, Cathal Hynds netted to complete the turnaround.
It was a cagey start to the game that would give us a glimpse into the pattern of what would unfold in the first half with Fermanagh inviting Antrim up to an extent, but were excellent to turn the ball over and break.
Sean Cassidy did the early honours from placed balls and Ultan Kelm finished off two fine breakaways, either side of Antrim’s first score from a Mick Byrne 45.
The Saffron’s could figure out the puzzle in front although Ryan McQuillan did kick from play after 26 minutes, but Fermanagh would take a 0-8 to 0-2 lead into the half with some fine shooting from Cassidy, Declan McCusker and Fionan O’Brien.
Ronan McCaffrey extended the lead early in the second period, but Antrim rang the changes and they worked with Peter Healy, Conor Hand, Dominic McEnhill and Eoin Hynds all pointing, while Byrne was assured from 45s.
The gap was just one when Byrne put Hynds in for that goal and his brother, Eoin landed a fine score.
A late Fermanagh raid came to nothing as they were left stunned with Antrim advancing to the semi-finals.
“We’ll have to stop putting ourselves in that position,” said McEntee.
“It showed some guts, some character and we’re delighted.”
