Co Antrim FA confirm Shield decider will have ambulance cover

David Walsh collides with Thomas Maguire in the 2023 County Antrim Shield Final

Glentoran have welcomed confirmation from the County Antrim FA that an ambulance will be present at this month’s County Antrim Shield Final.

Warren Feeney’s side will take on holders Larne in the decider at Seaview on Tuesday, January 23.

The news will allay fears of a repeat of last season’s traumatic incident when Linfield keeper David Walsh had to wait one hour for an ambulance to arrive before he could be transported to hospital.

Walsh was treated on the pitch after a collision with Larne’s Thomas Maguire before being taken to hospital, where he received stitches for facial injuries.

Following the incident, a paramedic car arrived 30 minutes later and then an ambulance one hour after the collision.

Linfield personnel were upset at what unfolded and the club’s then general manager David Graham stated: “To have no ambulance cover is a grave mistake —A I’m sure they (Co Antrim FA) will reflect on that in terms of planning for next year.”

Adam Simpson, secretary of County Antrim and District FA, said: “The Senior Shield Committee will review everything, including ambulance cover.”

He has now confirmed: “An ambulance will be in attendance at the Final this year.”

The update will provide some reassurance to Glentoran after Bobby Burns suffered a bad facial injury at Seaview earlier this season. Following the 1-1 draw with Crusaders in October, the east Belfast club said they were “pursuing a full and transparent investigation” into the events following Burns’ injury.

Burns received lengthy treatment at the side of the pitch before leaving on a stretcher after colliding with an advertising hoarding. The Glens questioned why the game continued