Antrim Football Thread

[BrendanAntrim]

Looking at next season's league fixtures...the home games definitely all winnable v Clare, Leitrim, Sligo. The harder games are probably the away fixtures. Home to Clare to start.

[Sportacus]

Looking at next season's league fixtures...the home games definitely all winnable v Clare, Leitrim, Sligo. The harder games are probably the away fixtures. Home to Clare to start.

If Sligo kick on they'll be a tough nut to crack.

[imtommygunn]

Clare not easy either though hopefully winnable. Leitrim match isn't going to be much of a spectacle with Poacher in charge of them.

[BrendanAntrim]

Clare not easy either though hopefully winnable. Leitrim match isn't going to be much of a spectacle with Poacher in charge of them.
[/quote
Well he will have to keep three in his own half for starters! It will be interesting, a real challenge for the coaches, county and club

[Saffron71]

So Cargin were beaten in Ulster this year by the Ulster Champions and potential All Ireland champions.  Shows to the strength of Ulster football and how competitive it is.

[Christmas Lights]

So Cargin were beaten in Ulster this year by the Ulster Champions and potential All Ireland champions.  Shows to the strength of Ulster football and how competitive it is.

Not sure what you're getting at? Cargin put up absolutely zero challenge in their Ulster match, it was Errigal Ciarans easiest match of the championship and that includes the matches they played in the Tyrone SFC.

[EOC1923]

What an achievement for Enda McGinley, negotiating his way through the minefield of the Tyrone championship, then winning Ulster and who knows possibly an All Ireland in January.

[Milltown Row2]

If only he'd have brought that championship edge to Antrim

[imtommygunn]

Fair play to him. Seems like a decent sort so good to see.

[bannside]

Fine achievement, credit where its due.

[Spike]

So Cargin were beaten in Ulster this year by the Ulster Champions and potential All Ireland champions.  Shows to the strength of Ulster football and how competitive it is.

It is a great competition, a super showpiece for Ulster football.  have Cargin been beat by the winners in 5 of the last 7 times they have played in the comp? Just shows the levels we all have to get to

[Saffrongael]

If only he'd have brought that championship edge to Antrim

If only he had the horses

[BigGreenField]

What should a school be doing?

Schools can't fix all that needs fixed however they do have lads for 6 months of the playing year (at least)

The top tier schools, the competing teams are synonymous with the school and competitions - the culture has been built to achieve this and that is the area of ask: Setting the culture: setting standards for training attendance (not picking and choosing), intensity of play, the right kit, required fitness, all basics all important not skills.

 Is the team held up in the  school as a thing that is valued/role model - is their a "want" by players to be on it? Schools need to create the club mentality.

Other areas - schools to tell the feeder clubs directly what are the areas for development, I think one of the hurling schools in Ulster did a thing of the school coaches going into their feeder clubs to host training for the club and what they wanted.

Ask for help - if a school needs help, ask their feeder clubs or identify coaches at club with expertise. One of the Derry schools at one stage had a paid gaa officer outside of teaching staff.

I wouldn't expect schools to pile into top tier at upper end of schools however I think some could be braver at e.g. Dalton Cup level. I'd get rid of the Gaelfast Antrim tournaments and schools should be playing outside Antrim.


There should also be an onus on clubs to collaborate in support of schools , facilities, coaching, mentoring etc.

[bannside]

Why would you get rid of the gaelfast competitions? Surely any and all activity is to be encouraged?

[BrendanAntrim]

Jody Gormley RIP, anyone listening to the recent podcast with Thomas Niblock and Oisin will know how powerful it was, if you haven't listened yet you should https://www.bbc.co.uk/sounds/play/p0k1qdvv

He was a fine player with of course a big Antrim connection. Very sad.