Antrim Football Thread

[Magicsponge]

Antrim Team V Longford

1  CHRIS KERR

2  KEVIN O BOYLE
3  RICKY JOHNSTON
4  MARTY JOHNSTON

5  TONY SCULLION
6  JUSTIN CROZIER
7  JAMES LOUGHERY

8  MICHAEL MC CANN
9  AODHON GALLAGHER

10 TOMAS MC CANN
11 CONALL KELLY
12 MICHAEL ARMSTRONG

13 CONOR MURRAY
14 MARK SWEENEY
15 PADDY CUNNINGHAM

Wasn't sure if they'd play any u21's what with their championship on wednesday but there you go he has, maybe if the game wasn't so important they would have been rested.

[Gold]

Antrim Team V Longford

1  CHRIS KERR

2  KEVIN O BOYLE
3  RICKY JOHNSTON
4  MARTY JOHNSTON

5  TONY SCULLION
6  JUSTIN CROZIER
7  JAMES LOUGHERY

8  MICHAEL MC CANN
9  AODHON GALLAGHER

10 TOMAS MC CANN
11 CONALL KELLY
12 MICHAEL ARMSTRONG

13 CONOR MURRAY
14 MARK SWEENEY
15 PADDY CUNNINGHAM

Wasn't sure if they'd play any u21's what with their championship on wednesday but there you go he has, maybe if the game wasn't so important they would have been rested.

Back to porridge tomorrow after Croker today.

Need a win or it's promotion over. Hope more than the 15 who went to Ros travel to LD and make a bit of noise for the boys.

[crookes]

Whats your predictions for this weeks Antrim U21 team V Down?

The team has been named there tonight.

1 KYLAN ALLSOPP              ST. JOHNS

2 CONOR MC ILVENNY       LAMH DHEARG
3 RICKY JOHNSTON            KICKHAMS CREGGAN
4 MICHAEL HYNES               LAMH DHEARG

5 STEPHEN TIERNEY           ST. JOHNS
6 MARTY JOHNSTON           KICKHAMS CREGGAN
7 PATRICK MC BRIDE          ST. JOHNS

8 JOHN CARRON                  CARGIN
9 EOIN GALLAGHER             GLENAVY

10 JAMES LAVERTY              CARGIN (CAPTAIN)
11 STEPHEN TULLY              LAMH DHEARG
12 DECLAN LYNCH               LAMH DHEARG

13 RYAN MURRAY                LAMH DHEARG
14 HUGH MC NULTY             KICKHAMS CREGGAN
15 COLM DUFFIN                   MONEYGLASS

16 MURTAGH MC KEAGUE   KICKHAMS CREGGAN
17 BRENDAN BRADLEY         ST. GALLS
18 CAOIMHIN DUFFIN            TIR NA NOG
19 CONOR HAMILL                 GLENAVY
20 FEARGHAL JOHNSTON     CARGIN
21 RONAN MC GRADY            ST. BRIGIDS
22 DAVID MC GUCKIN            KICKHAMS CREGGAN
23 CONOR MC KENNA           EIRE OG
24 AIDEN MC KEOWN            KICKHAMS CREGGAN
25 STEPHEN O CONNOR       ST. ENDAS
26 NIALL O NEILL                    ST. GALLS
27 DIARMUID QUINN               RASHARKIN
28 DECLAN STRANEY             LAMH DHEARG
29 CHRISTY SHEERIN             TIR NA NOG

[Gold]

Whats your predictions for this weeks Antrim U21 team V Down?

The team has been named there tonight.

1 KYLAN ALLSOPP              ST. JOHNS

2 CONOR MC ILVENNY       LAMH DHEARG
3 RICKY JOHNSTON            KICKHAMS CREGGAN
4 MICHAEL HYNES               LAMH DHEARG

5 STEPHEN TIERNEY           ST. JOHNS
6 MARTY JOHNSTON           KICKHAMS CREGGAN
7 PATRICK MC BRIDE          ST. JOHNS

8 JOHN CARRON                  CARGIN
9 EOIN GALLAGHER             GLENAVY

10 JAMES LAVERTY              CARGIN (CAPTAIN)
11 STEPHEN TULLY              LAMH DHEARG
12 DECLAN LYNCH               LAMH DHEARG

13 RYAN MURRAY                LAMH DHEARG
14 HUGH MC NULTY             KICKHAMS CREGGAN
15 COLM DUFFIN                   MONEYGLASS

16 MURTAGH MC KEAGUE   KICKHAMS CREGGAN
17 BRENDAN BRADLEY         ST. GALLS
18 CAOIMHIN DUFFIN            TIR NA NOG
19 CONOR HAMILL                 GLENAVY
20 FEARGHAL JOHNSTON     CARGIN
21 RONAN MC GRADY            ST. BRIGIDS
22 DAVID MC GUCKIN            KICKHAMS CREGGAN
23 CONOR MC KENNA           EIRE OG
24 AIDEN MC KEOWN            KICKHAMS CREGGAN
25 STEPHEN O CONNOR       ST. ENDAS
26 NIALL O NEILL                    ST. GALLS
27 DIARMUID QUINN               RASHARKIN
28 DECLAN STRANEY             LAMH DHEARG
29 CHRISTY SHEERIN             TIR NA NOG

Think we've a poor record at underage lately and could do with a win--one away to Down would be class but will be difficult. IF we get a start on them we have a chance.

I also think no one really gives a f**k and the only Antrim people who will be there will be a few parents, some county board officials and about 5 die hard supporters

[Milltown Row2]

Think we've a poor record at underage lately and could do with a win--one away to Down would be class but will be difficult. IF we get a start on them we have a chance.

I also think no one really gives a f**k and the only Antrim people who will be there will be a few parents, some county board officials and about 5 die hard supporters

I think the main problem for a lot of Antrim men in supportting away games is the cost, not just the ticket but fuel is having a major bearing on lads heading off to games, going to Longford would cost a right few pound on fuel, ticket and some food, not much change from 60 quid I'd imagine

[Gold]

Down brought 4000 odd to an away league game v Cork last year --we couldnt bring 40!

Also, Down outnumbered us AT CASEMENT at least 7 to 1 (maybe 15 to 1) in the qualifier game last year.

Considering the population of 'Irishmen' (Celtic fans) living close to Casement i think thats a disgrace as we should be packing out that stadium.

[Milltown Row2]

Down brought 4000 odd to an away league game v Cork last year --we couldnt bring 40!

Also, Down outnumbered us AT CASEMENT at least 7 to 1 (maybe 15 to 1) in the qualifier game last year.

Considering the population of 'Irishmen' (Celtic fans) living close to Casement i think thats a disgrace as we should be packing out that stadium.

Yes it's crap and where are all the supporters that went to Clones? Bandwagon supporters for sure. Forget that Casement's surrounding area has a massive population, even if it were free into the ground they still wouldn't turn up. If Celtic were playing a friendly against Luton on TV they'd rather go and watch that.

I've no answers for ya on that Gold, plenty playing GAA in Belfast just no supporters.

[Gold]

Down brought 4000 odd to an away league game v Cork last year --we couldnt bring 40!

Also, Down outnumbered us AT CASEMENT at least 7 to 1 (maybe 15 to 1) in the qualifier game last year.

Considering the population of 'Irishmen' (Celtic fans) living close to Casement i think thats a disgrace as we should be packing out that stadium.

Yes it's crap and where are all the supporters that went to Clones? Bandwagon supporters for sure. Forget that Casement's surrounding area has a massive population, even if it were free into the ground they still wouldn't turn up. If Celtic were playing a friendly against Luton on TV they'd rather go and watch that.

I've no answers for ya on that Gold, plenty playing GAA in Belfast just no supporters.

Exactly--consider the amount of people you've played with--from underage to senior--then consider whether they attend county games--very, very few i'd say. Even ex county players who were 'antrim till they die' whilst playing are rarely seen near it. If there's no change in attitude there'll be no desire for youngsters to get on County teams as there's no suuport so what's the point, meaning less talent coming through, less competition for places and eternal damnation of Div 3/4 yo yo football.

Can we do anything to get people interested, get them out the door to matches, get them to clap or cheer like the opposing supporters do when our players run out on the pitch or should we just resign ourselves to the way things are and give up and be happy when Celtic beat Airdrie/Cowdenbeath/Stirling Albion 2-0

[Milltown Row2]

Down brought 4000 odd to an away league game v Cork last year --we couldnt bring 40!

Also, Down outnumbered us AT CASEMENT at least 7 to 1 (maybe 15 to 1) in the qualifier game last year.

Considering the population of 'Irishmen' (Celtic fans) living close to Casement i think thats a disgrace as we should be packing out that stadium.

Yes it's crap and where are all the supporters that went to Clones? Bandwagon supporters for sure. Forget that Casement's surrounding area has a massive population, even if it were free into the ground they still wouldn't turn up. If Celtic were playing a friendly against Luton on TV they'd rather go and watch that.

I've no answers for ya on that Gold, plenty playing GAA in Belfast just no supporters.

Exactly--consider the amount of people you've played with--from underage to senior--then consider whether they attend county games--very, very few i'd say. Even ex county players who were 'antrim till they die' whilst playing are rarely seen near it. If there's no change in attitude there'll be no desire for youngsters to get on County teams as there's no suuport so what's the point, meaning less talent coming through, less competition for places and eternal damnation of Div 3/4 yo yo football.

Can we do anything to get people interested, get them out the door to matches, get them to clap or cheer like the opposing supporters do when our players run out on the pitch or should we just resign ourselves to the way things are and give up and be happy when Celtic beat Airdrie/Cowdenbeath/Stirling Albion 2-0

Yes it is very frustrating, Ive been to many away games with the hurlers over the years, usually try and fit it in with a night over somewhere. A bitta craic with mates and watch the game. As you have already said Gold the only ones there are the parents and some friends of players and the die hard fans.

What way do you think we could solve this problem? I'd say the lads would put a wee bit more effort in had we more supporters at these games.

[Tipplad]

Have to say as an exiled Tipp man living in Belfast( been to 2 antrim matches this year in casement and the qualifier last year v down. Plus some hurling games of course) it is scary the lack of pride in the county team. I know its maybe easy saying that with Tipp's tradition but even in the bad times big crowds travel and county players are like gods. I think there seems to be a general feeling in antrim the right men aren't being selected because of bias and politics. This present or a new team need to create their own excitement or legacy and maybe a bomber liston type goal scorer would bring some star quality!

[crookes]

Does anyone know the result for the U21s tonight V Down in Newry?

[brendanbelfast]

Down 2.11, Antrim1.9 - Antrim hit what seemed like about 10 wides. Tough result on the team.

Re suppotrers turnout its an unfair thing to say but the only thing that will bring crowds out is success. When the team was moderately successful ('09) look at the crowds that travelled to Clones (twice) and Tullamore. The follwing season we swanned through Div 3 and while the crowds were small they were still bigger than they have been since.

Success brings supporters to games.

[saffron sam2]

Down 2.11, Antrim1.9 - Antrim hit what seemed like about 10 wides. Tough result on the team.

Re suppotrers turnout its an unfair thing to say but the only thing that will bring crowds out is success. When the team was moderately successful ('09) look at the crowds that travelled to Clones (twice) and Tullamore. The follwing season we swanned through Div 3 and while the crowds were small they were still bigger than they have been since.

Success brings supporters to games.

Never looked like winning apart from a ten minute spell in the first half. Went from a two point lead to a four point deficit in the ten minutes before half time. Down got a goal at the start of the second half and held the saffrons at arms length thereafter. Don't think Antrim got closer than 5. Yes, Antrim missed a lot, but you got the impression that Down could have lifted it had they needed to.

Down had two very good players in the full forward line (#14 and #15, McGarry and O'Hare I think they were). The small, speedy McGarry in particular gave big Ricky a torrid hour.  Antrim had no forwards of this calibre, although McNulty was quite effective. Ultimately that was the difference between the two teams.

Best for Antrim I thought were Marty Johnston and Gallagher of Glenavy and to a lesser degree Hynes at corner back.

[theskull1]

I think Antrim has a very high proportion of fly by nights. If it'll be "good craic" to go to these things they'll go (i.e. when no thanks to them the team acheives a decent level of success), but they have no clue the importance of them attending in the dark days to show the players that it matters enough to enough people for them to make a better job of what they're doing.

[bannside]

We are living in tough economic times lads, and sometimes you have to prioritise what you do with your wages!

Gone are the days when you can blindly follow your county footballers and hurlers all around the country. In our house there are four adult memberships, and three juvenile ones too. Thats a lot of football boots, gear, not to mention training fees, the proper meals and drinks. The club lotto must be supportedtoo. As well as a club direct debit scheme.

And even if you have sons/daughters playing you still pay into club matches.

The large club functions throughout the year (5 or 6 on average) must be supported too. On average allow £100 a night for tickets/socialising/taxis etc.

There are offspring playing on the club senior, reserve, minor, u-16 and one playing camogie too. You would want to get to most of these matches to offer parental support. Half of these are away fixtures - throw in £25 or £30 for fuel.

And maybe you turned down the chance to manage a couple of other club teams (at decent money) - just so that you can put a bit back into your own club, by taking your own club team. (Reserves in this case).

And then you would still like to get to as many county matches as possible too - but guess what - the budget is well and truly hammered!

So what used to be every match, wherever/whenever, its a case now of sitting back and picking one or two off, now and again.

The club must come first folks or we can forget about the whole thing!!