Messages

Gnevin.  I agree with such proposals.  The Ulster championship is a complete irrevelance now esp with no route to All-Ireland from  it.  Both minor and Senior should enter Leinster asap

Well done Dublin, great result.  will probably make them favourites for Casement match against Antrim now.  Might take a bit of pressure of Antrim

Johnny Campbell is just not a number 6. It's not a snipe at the man, I'm was never a number 6 either. He works better on the wing.

I would not have anything personal against him either as I do not know him, but he is simply not good enough for county level, whether no. 5, 6 or 7

I think you are right Johnjo, we need to be patient with the Antrim team.  Although the minor did not actually win a game of any major significance at least they were competitive.  Hopefully in 2 or 3 years time the seniors will also do the same as the young lads are integrated with the more experience players

And while were on the subject of full backs Syd, what about Oran Scullion ? Do you know if he is going to join the panel at some stage?

Do not know if he will join the panel.  He tends to travel a lot and may not be able to commit.  He was on panel and had a few games a couple of years ago but really did not cut it then

Antrim Team and Panel for match against Galway

1. DD Quinn (Na Seamróga Loch gCaol)
2. Barney McAuley (Na Seamróga Loch gCaol)
3. James McKeague (Cú Chulainn Dun Lathai)
4. Sean Delargy (Ruairí Og Bun Abhann Dalla)
5. Ciarán Herron (Lamh Dheárg)
6. Johnny Campbell (Na Seamróga Loch gCaol)
7. Malachy Molloy (Cú Chulainn Dun Lathai)
8. Karl McKeegan (Ruairí Og Bun Abhann Dalla)
9. Brendan Herron (Lamh Dheárg)
10. Karl Stewart (Naomh Gall)
11. Liam Watson (Na Seamróga Loch gCaol)
12. Micheál Herron (Lamh Dheárg)
13. Patrick Richmond (Cú Chulainn Dun Lathai)
14. Neal McAuley (Mhic Uillín Baile an Chaistil)
15. Paul Shields (Cú Chulainn Dun Lathai)

16. Chris O'Connell (Na Seamróga Loch gCaol)
17. Sean Burke (Naomh Gall)
18. Barry McFall (Naomh Eoin)
19. Brian McFall (Naomh Eoin)
20. Aidan Delargy (Ruairí Og Bun Abhann Dalla)
21. Martin Scullion (Na Seamróga Loch gCaol)
22. Michael Magill (Tir na nÓg)
23. Aaron Graffin (Ruairí Og Bun Abhann Dalla)
24. Colm Duffin (Tir na nÓg)

Is is probably as strong as we can get a present.  Watched  McAuley from Ballycastle play full-forward for antrim against Cushendall recently and was impressed. He looks strong. Delargy as corner back should add a bit of pace to that sector but I cannot get the selection of Johnny Campbell at centre-back.  I do not rate him at all.

Also in 100% agreement with Hardy

The defeat last Sunday will have no revelance on the Galway match. 

I hope Antrim hit the ground running. Galway are unlikely to be caught unawares this year.  I am sure thay will be out to impress Loughnane.  Hopefully Antrim can contain them and put up a fighting performance.  any word on the team yet

This certainly was the one that got away for Cushendall. A bit more composure especially in their forwards at key times cost them badly. Neil McManus had two great point taking opportunities in the first half out on the right wing, he tried to place both rather than drill them over and both went wide. AD hit his usual high tally of wides per score ratio but in fairness to him he did show well for the ball and wasn't afraid to take on the chance when it arose. The Cushendall defence were tight

JC , I would agree with your view.  This a certainly a game Cushendall  could have won, possibly should have won. Bad misses and some silly decision making in the last ten minutes cost the game..  The defense was generally superb but from midfield upwards we just did not click.  The occasion may have gotten to the younger players who,  apart from Neil in the first half esp ( although he did miss two good chances) did not have a great impact.  Injuries almost certainly also had an effect.  I think Shane McN may have been struck off the ball in the first half and struggled for the rest of the game.    Declan McK also struggled and probably only started for the psychological impact.   Conor McCambridge has never worn a knee bandage,  but frequently wore the hamstring thingys.   Time has taken its toll (chronic problems with hip and now possibly knees) and do not be surprised if thats his last time in a Dall jersey.  
Loughrea , while a decent side are no world beaters and that is one match that go away.

Lets be positive,  from the starting 15 only Conor Mc C and AD are in their thirties and Ad has a few years left in him yet.  They will ( should) have other opportunities in the future ( hopefully !)

No doubt about it , we could have won the game today put did noy have the forward power to finish the job

i kinda half wish Cushendall won tomorrow just to see them getting the mother of all beatings in the final.....

Why would you want to see that

Declan MCKILLOP has a stomach muscle injury and is a serious doubt but Cushendall could not afford to do without him and he will probably start.  Any talk of him not starting is only rumour due to the injury not a play by the club !!!.

Glad to see the last few posters have added some rational balanced debate on this. 

As regards Cushendalls midfield, there is a big question mark over Declan McKillop's fitness ( stomach muscle injury).  I think Cushendall could (will )  struggle without him.  The team linout is fairly settled although there could be changes at half-back and midfield depending on where Michael McCambridge plays,  whether Declan is fit , or where to get the best out of Aiden Delargy.

Tony Montana - your last post is correct.  The problem Cushendall have is the lack of any quality on the bench and this may force the management teams hand.    Would I be correct in assuming that you belong to that strangely large band of "antrim" hurling followers who will take delight in cushendalls defeat next sunday.

Michael is 100% physically ready.   Problem is being mentally right and lack of competitive games