Antrim Football Thread

[country bumpkin]

Cargin are a good side but hey I am a trifle biased I fear.
We did come up against the mighty Crossmaglen way back in 1999 in the semis after an opening round win over Carrickmore when the canny JB was at the helm, and the Armagh they were a trifle lucky to finish with two points to spare. Jim Mc Conville did get a goal very late on in controversial circumstances and the rest is history as they went on to win the All Ireland.
Perhaps Mr Brennan has unfinished business, but in any event you can be sure he will have our boys chomping at the bit, and raring to go.

[JimStynes]

Well MR2.............Moneyglass, Casement's, Aldergrove, and Glenavy, just football......and Erin's Own did win their first county title in Hurling....consider the question again please.

Is it because Belfast clubs produce better footballers?

Do Cargin have good coaches? and if so why have they won at least 2 (out of 6) championships with an outsider? like I have said. they have a wider parish than the rest, they are close to the Derry club teams and pre season challenge games would be of a higher tempo and better pre for start of new year, probably that's why they have won so many leagues ?

I'm bored I could go on all day.. tell me in your view why Cargin are the only club in over 60 years outside of the big smoke to win a championship at senior level?

Cargin were in the doldrums for a long time but historically they wisely built upon a great minor team in the late sixties and a superb u21 side in the eighties. To be simplistic about it, Cargin have had one code to concentrate on, they benefit from the south derry schools competitive football system (but not exclusively), they have very committed football orientated families and have cultivated a competitive ethos over many years. They don't benefit from the transfer mentality that seems to prevail in Belfast and their players tend to stay involved for a decade or so. But in my mind, the single biggest difference in Cargin vs the other SW clubs is that, despite the numbers to choose from, almost all the underage boys in Cargin will turn out for the club. The percentage compared to other clubs such a portglenone, aldergrove, aghagallon etc is much higher. That gives an emotional buy-in to the club that I don't think exists in Belfast to the same extent nor in some of the other SW clubs.

Have cargin not struggled to field at certain age groups in recent seasons?

Failed to field on numerous occasions over the past few years. Butcher was saying he couldn't get some young boys out of the house to play minor football!

[bannside]

All trying to be Messi or Rambo on the X Box or Playstation. This is the GAA's biggest competitor, and it's not going to go away.

[bannside]

Under 21 championship starting today. Can't see past St Johns again this year. Maybe Rossa or St Endas will have claims.

Watching St Endas with interest. They have had a great crop of juveniles in recent years many making county squads etc. Will be interesting to see if/how they kick on.

Saw Ruairi Scott playing for DIT during the week. Shaping up well and looking every inch a county senior.

[JimStynes]

Under 21 championship starting today. Can't see past St Johns again this year. Maybe Rossa or St Endas will have claims.

Watching St Endas with interest. They have had a great crop of juveniles in recent years many making county squads etc. Will be interesting to see if/how they kick on.

Saw Ruairi Scott playing for DIT during the week. Shaping up well and looking every inch a county senior.

Rossa tanked by Aghagallon today. They only had 15 men!

[paddyjohn]

Tragic news coming from Glenavy tonight on the death of their Senior Football Manager Francie Doone. After the success last weekend to this, shows how tough life can be.

To his family, team & the Glenavy club I pass on my condolences.

RIP

[Milltown Row2]

Tragic news coming from Glenavy tonight on the death of their Senior Football Manager Francie Doone. After the success last weekend to this, shows how tough life can be.

To his family, team & the Glenavy club I pass on my condolences.

RIP

Tragic... RIP

[Points a Good Score]

Tragic news coming from Glenavy tonight on the death of their Senior Football Manager Francie Doone. After the success last weekend to this, shows how tough life can be.

To his family, team & the Glenavy club I pass on my condolences.

RIP

+1

Very Sad News

Had played against Francie many times, tough and uncompromising but always fair.

A gentleman into the bargain as well.

RIP

[bannside]

True Gentleman and Gael. Francey will be a huge loss around Glenavy club and to those who knew him.

[country bumpkin]

Everything has been said on Francie Doone......a real gentleman, and he will be sadly missed particularly by his extended family and those who frequent Chapel Hill.

May his gentle soul rest in peace.

[JimStynes]

A big loss to the whole area and the GAA. I've honestly never heard a bad word said about Franice. The last man I would have thought this would happen to as he was as fit as a fiddle and strong as an ox. RIP

[rashCharacter]

Well, what do you think of the Irish News antrim club all-star selection?


1. COLM O'REILLY (CARGIN)
O'Reilly was beaten just twice in the championship. He couldn't do much about Gareth Galwey's flick to the net for Lámh Dhearg's goal in the final and, in the semi-final, he had initially saved the Creggan penalty before David McGuckin put away the rebound. As is required of a modern-day 'keeper, his kick-outs were consistent and intelligent throughout.



2. CHRISTOPHER NOLAN (LÁMH DHEARG)
Nolan is one of the most consistent performers in the Hannahstown shirt and is a superb reader of the game. In the quarter-final against O'Donovan Rossa, Nolan displayed his man-marking qualities and he did a great job on curbing the influence of Michael Magill in the final. His stand-out performance, however, was against Portglenone in the quarter-final when he gave an exhibition of defending over the hour.



3. JAMES LAVERTY (CARGIN)
The Cargin defence were the meanest in the championship, conceding an average of nine points per game over their three matches. This was due in no small part to the leadership in the full back line from Laverty. He does the simple things well, is a tenacious tackler and always gives 100 per cent. His decision-making is also first class and he rarely takes the wrong option when moving the ball out of defence.



4. KEVIN O'BOYLE (CARGIN)
What more can be said about 'Kobo'? The former Antrim captain is one of the best defenders in Ulster and, no matter what the occasion or conditions, always looks assured and confident on the ball. He's one of those players who always seems to be in the right place at the right time and can break forward at pace when the situation demands. Solid throughout the championship.



5. PAUL CLOSE (O'DONOVAN ROSSA)
The O'Donovan Rossa stalwart turned back the clock in his side's two championship games this year. Still with a sharp turn of pace, Close was the dominant figure in the Rossa rearguard against Aldergrove in the quarter-final, setting up a number of scores from the half-back berth. He carried the same form into the semi-final against Lámh Dhearg when Rossa were a kick of the ball away from their first football championship final since 1991.



6. JUSTIN CROZIER (CARGIN)
The championship campaign began for Cargin on a wet and windy Friday night in August against St Gall's, when the 2010 All-Ireland champions were kept to nine points. Crozier's contribution that night was solid if not spectacular in what was a superb team performance. The same dependable qualities were on show against Lámh Dhearg in the final and he also showed he can take a score when the opportunity presents itself, slotting over a superb effort against Creggan in the semi-final from 45 metres out.



7. DECLAN LYNCH (LÁMH DHEARG)
Lynch started games with 5, 8 and 14 on his back, although he just about covered every blade of grass on all the venues he graced in this year's championship. A powerful, versatile player, he looks at his most dangerous driving at opposition defences from deep, but he also has a deft touch in front of the posts when required, as shown in the semi-final when firing to the bottom corner of the Rossa net for what proved to be the crucial score for his side.



8. MICHAEL McCANN (CARGIN)
The most difficult aspect of Michael McCann's inclusion on the Antrim SFC Allstar team is where to place the former county star, but he simply has to be included, such was his influence on the destination of the McNamee Cup. Named at full-forward in the quarter-final, McCann produced a man of the match display, driving forward from midfield. With 15 on his back in the semi-final and 8 in the final, McCann was given pretty much a free reign and relished the role. He dispatched two penalties to the net with aplomb in the final.



9. CONOR MURRAY (LÁMH DHEARG)
Murray has shown on the county stage this year that he can mix it at a higher level, and he was instrumental to Lámh Dhearg's four-game run to the final. He contributed two points in the win over Rossa, but it is for his strong running and, at times, spectacular fielding that he is best known. He is another player with great vision who seldom picks out the wrong pass.



10. MARK DOUGAN (CREGGAN)
With 0-8 to his credit from two games, Creggan's Mark Dougan deserves his place in the 2015 Antrim club Allstar selection. A superb placed-ball kicker, Dougan made light of difficult conditions in the quarter-final to raise seven white flags from all angles from play and frees. He didn't create quite as much space in the semi-final against Cargin, but was always a handful for a number of Cargin markers.



11. TOMÁS McCANN (CARGIN)
The youngest McCann brother gave an exhibition of free-taking in the opening win over St Gall's. In testing conditions, McCann kept the scoreboard ticking over, each score sapping a bit more belief from St Gall's, and he ended the match with a sublime effort from close to 60 metres out. His contribution is much more than that of free-taker, however. He has pace, two good feet and an eye for the posts. Ended the championship with 0-16.



12. COLM FLEMING (O'DONOVAN ROSSA)
Fleming was the go-to man in the Rossa forward line in the quarter-final win over Aldergrove. The 24-year-old's pace and power caused no end of problems for the St James' backs and, running at the defence, he looked dangerous every time he got the ball. He continued in the same vein against Lámh Dhearg and his style of play was no better summed up than by his driving run through the Hannahstown defence in first-half injury-time. However, his shot flashed just past the post.



13. PADDY CUNNINGHAM (LÁMH DHEARG)
The former county star finished the championship with a total of 1-24 from placed calls and play, comfortably the highest scorer. When backs were to the wall against St John's in the preliminary round, Lámh Dhearg needed some inspiration – and it was Cunningham who provided it. Trailing 1-2 to no score after seven minutes, they led by a point at the break, helped by a 1-2 contribution from Cunningham. A man of the match performance in the semi-final saw him slot points over from all angles  and he accounted for 0-5 of his side's 1-5 total in the final.



14. MICHAEL MAGILL (CARGIN)
Picked up an early injury in the final and didn't exert as great an influence on the game as in previous rounds, but Magill always has to be watched by the opposition defence. His effectiveness as a target man cannot be overstated and, as shown against Creggan, he still knows where the back of the net is.



15. CIARÁN CLOSE (CARGIN)
Recovering from injury this year, Close came on as sub in the opening round against St Gall's and was a late call-up to the starting 15 for the final. Manager John Brennan is, no doubt, delighted at the former county captain's return to fitness. Close was superb in the semi-final against Creggan and set the tone for the final when notching the first two points of the game by the fourth minute. He constantly has defenders wondering what he's going to do next.

[Milltown Row2]

Well, what do you think of the Irish News antrim club all-star selection?


1. COLM O'REILLY (CARGIN)
O'Reilly was beaten just twice in the championship. He couldn't do much about Gareth Galwey's flick to the net for Lámh Dhearg's goal in the final and, in the semi-final, he had initially saved the Creggan penalty before David McGuckin put away the rebound. As is required of a modern-day 'keeper, his kick-outs were consistent and intelligent throughout.



2. CHRISTOPHER NOLAN (LÁMH DHEARG)
Nolan is one of the most consistent performers in the Hannahstown shirt and is a superb reader of the game. In the quarter-final against O'Donovan Rossa, Nolan displayed his man-marking qualities and he did a great job on curbing the influence of Michael Magill in the final. His stand-out performance, however, was against Portglenone in the quarter-final when he gave an exhibition of defending over the hour.



3. JAMES LAVERTY (CARGIN)
The Cargin defence were the meanest in the championship, conceding an average of nine points per game over their three matches. This was due in no small part to the leadership in the full back line from Laverty. He does the simple things well, is a tenacious tackler and always gives 100 per cent. His decision-making is also first class and he rarely takes the wrong option when moving the ball out of defence.



4. KEVIN O'BOYLE (CARGIN)
What more can be said about 'Kobo'? The former Antrim captain is one of the best defenders in Ulster and, no matter what the occasion or conditions, always looks assured and confident on the ball. He's one of those players who always seems to be in the right place at the right time and can break forward at pace when the situation demands. Solid throughout the championship.



5. PAUL CLOSE (O'DONOVAN ROSSA)
The O'Donovan Rossa stalwart turned back the clock in his side's two championship games this year. Still with a sharp turn of pace, Close was the dominant figure in the Rossa rearguard against Aldergrove in the quarter-final, setting up a number of scores from the half-back berth. He carried the same form into the semi-final against Lámh Dhearg when Rossa were a kick of the ball away from their first football championship final since 1991.



6. JUSTIN CROZIER (CARGIN)
The championship campaign began for Cargin on a wet and windy Friday night in August against St Gall's, when the 2010 All-Ireland champions were kept to nine points. Crozier's contribution that night was solid if not spectacular in what was a superb team performance. The same dependable qualities were on show against Lámh Dhearg in the final and he also showed he can take a score when the opportunity presents itself, slotting over a superb effort against Creggan in the semi-final from 45 metres out.



7. DECLAN LYNCH (LÁMH DHEARG)
Lynch started games with 5, 8 and 14 on his back, although he just about covered every blade of grass on all the venues he graced in this year's championship. A powerful, versatile player, he looks at his most dangerous driving at opposition defences from deep, but he also has a deft touch in front of the posts when required, as shown in the semi-final when firing to the bottom corner of the Rossa net for what proved to be the crucial score for his side.



8. MICHAEL McCANN (CARGIN)
The most difficult aspect of Michael McCann's inclusion on the Antrim SFC Allstar team is where to place the former county star, but he simply has to be included, such was his influence on the destination of the McNamee Cup. Named at full-forward in the quarter-final, McCann produced a man of the match display, driving forward from midfield. With 15 on his back in the semi-final and 8 in the final, McCann was given pretty much a free reign and relished the role. He dispatched two penalties to the net with aplomb in the final.



9. CONOR MURRAY (LÁMH DHEARG)
Murray has shown on the county stage this year that he can mix it at a higher level, and he was instrumental to Lámh Dhearg's four-game run to the final. He contributed two points in the win over Rossa, but it is for his strong running and, at times, spectacular fielding that he is best known. He is another player with great vision who seldom picks out the wrong pass.



10. MARK DOUGAN (CREGGAN)
With 0-8 to his credit from two games, Creggan's Mark Dougan deserves his place in the 2015 Antrim club Allstar selection. A superb placed-ball kicker, Dougan made light of difficult conditions in the quarter-final to raise seven white flags from all angles from play and frees. He didn't create quite as much space in the semi-final against Cargin, but was always a handful for a number of Cargin markers.



11. TOMÁS McCANN (CARGIN)
The youngest McCann brother gave an exhibition of free-taking in the opening win over St Gall's. In testing conditions, McCann kept the scoreboard ticking over, each score sapping a bit more belief from St Gall's, and he ended the match with a sublime effort from close to 60 metres out. His contribution is much more than that of free-taker, however. He has pace, two good feet and an eye for the posts. Ended the championship with 0-16.



12. COLM FLEMING (O'DONOVAN ROSSA)
Fleming was the go-to man in the Rossa forward line in the quarter-final win over Aldergrove. The 24-year-old's pace and power caused no end of problems for the St James' backs and, running at the defence, he looked dangerous every time he got the ball. He continued in the same vein against Lámh Dhearg and his style of play was no better summed up than by his driving run through the Hannahstown defence in first-half injury-time. However, his shot flashed just past the post.



13. PADDY CUNNINGHAM (LÁMH DHEARG)
The former county star finished the championship with a total of 1-24 from placed calls and play, comfortably the highest scorer. When backs were to the wall against St John's in the preliminary round, Lámh Dhearg needed some inspiration – and it was Cunningham who provided it. Trailing 1-2 to no score after seven minutes, they led by a point at the break, helped by a 1-2 contribution from Cunningham. A man of the match performance in the semi-final saw him slot points over from all angles  and he accounted for 0-5 of his side's 1-5 total in the final.



14. MICHAEL MAGILL (CARGIN)
Picked up an early injury in the final and didn't exert as great an influence on the game as in previous rounds, but Magill always has to be watched by the opposition defence. His effectiveness as a target man cannot be overstated and, as shown against Creggan, he still knows where the back of the net is.



15. CIARÁN CLOSE (CARGIN)
Recovering from injury this year, Close came on as sub in the opening round against St Gall's and was a late call-up to the starting 15 for the final. Manager John Brennan is, no doubt, delighted at the former county captain's return to fitness. Close was superb in the semi-final against Creggan and set the tone for the final when notching the first two points of the game by the fourth minute. He constantly has defenders wondering what he's going to do next.

Hard to argue with that quality selection... Irish news must have been at all the games this year. Or just the semi's 

[country bumpkin]

Could argue Mr2..........but dont wanna cause argument

[Milltown Row2]

Could argue Mr2..........but dont wanna cause argument

Brilliant team and if that team played together for Antrim would make an impact