Antrim Football Thread

bannside · January 24, 2015, 10:07:11 AM

Yes I have always admired John Rafferty around a team. So much so I invited him to speak to a team I was managing before they played the Derry county final. And he was awesome.

Lenny might have been in the right place at the right time, but can't be faulted for getting the job done. In doing so he has created a reputation that will stick for a long time.

Having said that there is also the theory that the real driving force in St Galls is a core group of players, led by Sean Kelly, who are the real reason for so much success, and managers there are merely facilitators!

And to balance that point I also know that the current manager is maybe the best thought of all the managers St Galls have had in recent years.

ck · January 24, 2015, 02:17:32 PM

That's very interesting. Wasn't aware of the influence of John rafferty at all.
Wasnt James McCartan manager at one stage too? Would he have contributed to the side before Lenny put icing on cake?

imtommygunn · January 24, 2015, 03:35:14 PM

Good win for st johns over omagh in the u21 ulster tournament. Mcbride mom- sounds like a decent prospect.

Ck i think mccartan was post ai.

bannside · January 24, 2015, 03:57:19 PM

Good win for the Johnnies.

James Mc Cartan is quoted as saying that he couldn't manage St Galls. They practically managed themselves!

SaffronHeart · January 24, 2015, 10:18:10 PM

Would be very surprised if st johns don't win a Senior football championship within the next 5 years

Milltown Row2 · January 25, 2015, 09:44:13 AM

Quote from: SaffronHeart on January 24, 2015, 10:18:10 PM
Would be very surprised if st johns don't win a Senior football championship within the next 5 years

Are you serious?? They struggle with relegation ffs!!

manballandall · January 25, 2015, 09:52:39 AM

For me Rafferty was the best manager we have had in recent years and would be welcomed back with open arms any time.
Some good managers over the past decade who added certain elements to the team which when all added together resulted in the ultimate . I include Paul Duffin , mc cartan, and Lenny in that but for me it was Rafferty who installed the belief, intensity and mental toughness to gel it all together .
Have to agree, especially in recent years a group of players have had an influence on proceedings. Good thing or not? Is this because they were/are allowed to ?. I know this certainly wasn't the case with Raff and I think mc cartan got a bit of a raw deal.

In recent years we have got past round one of ulster once and I believe this could have been avoided very easily .
All in all, despite achieving the ultimate I believe this group of players will look back and wonder what if in years to come. No complaints for what they have achieved and the effort they put in from all at the club.

jdyok · January 25, 2015, 11:28:32 AM

With you on that one MR2, let's keep this a Johnnies free zone

Catch and Kick · January 25, 2015, 11:54:57 AM

Panel for the NFL:
1. Justin Crozier CARGIN 2. Michael Mc Cann CARGIN  3. Tony Scullion  CARGIN  4. James Laverty  CARGIN  5. Tomas Mc Cann  CARGIN  6. Martin Kane  CARGIN  7. John Carron CARGIN  8. Chris Kerr ST GALLS  9. CJ Mc Gourty  ST GALLS  10. Connor Burke  ST GALLS  11. Micheal Pollock  ST GALLS  12. Niall O'Neill  ST GALLS  13. Ruairi Wilson  ST GALLS  14. Conor Murray  LAMH DHEARG  15. Declan Lynch  LAMH DHEARG  16. Gerard Walls  LAMH DHEARG  17. Ryan Murray  LAMH DHEARG  18. Niall McKeever PORTGLENONE  19. Niall Delargy  PORTGLENONE  20. Dermott Mc Aleese PORTGLENONE 21. Sean McVeigh  ALL SAINTS  22. Paddy McAleer  ALL SAINTS  23. Emmet Killough  ALL SAINTS  24. Patrick McBride  ST JOHN'S 25. Conor Johnston  ST JOHN'S 26. Mathew Fitzpatrick  ST JOHN'S 27. Michael Armstrong ROSSA  28. Chris McGuinness  ROSSA  29. Eamon Mc Neill  RASHARKIN  30. Benny Hasson  RASHARKIN  31. Mark Sweeney  ST JUDE'S 32. Niall Peoples ST PAUL'S  33. Ruairi Scott  ST ENDA'S 34. Owen Gallagher  GLENAVY  35. Ronan Mc Grady  ST BRIGIDS

ck · January 25, 2015, 09:11:51 PM

Any players not here who arguably should?

imtommygunn · January 25, 2015, 09:41:16 PM

Quote from: ck on January 25, 2015, 09:11:51 PM
Any players not here who arguably should?

Only noticing michael magill not on it. That's disappointing as no target man now. Paddy cunningham not there either though to be honest he's more backup these days.

Mainly retirements aside from that ck so none too contentious.

bannside · January 25, 2015, 09:53:26 PM

Hopefully the two missing Kevins will join up too at some stage. Both class acts we will need at some stage!

bannside · January 25, 2015, 09:54:29 PM

And Bam Neeson too.

stiffler · January 25, 2015, 10:00:15 PM

What about the st teresas lads ?

Glensman · January 25, 2015, 10:38:46 PM

Quote from: imtommygunn on January 25, 2015, 09:41:16 PM
Quote from: ck on January 25, 2015, 09:11:51 PM
Any players not here who arguably should?

Only noticing michael magill not on it. That's disappointing as no target man now. Paddy cunningham not there either though to be honest he's more backup these days.

Mainly retirements aside from that ck so none too contentious.

Magill not selected or not want to play? Agree re the lack of target man, which when on form he certainly was.

Cunningham not selected?

Are the two Kevins injured or taking a break?