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Speaking to a man there about the Tailteann cup. So in theory, Antrim could make it all the way to the final which is 13th July. This would mean that there would be a good handful of players that won't have kicked a single league ball for their clubs over 15 games? Is this correct? And potentially may only get a couple of championship group games if their club doesn't progress? Jesus Christ the system is well and truly broken.

In successful counties that was/is common enough over the years with the various different formats they used.

So do we want a successful county team or a successful club team?

If a club player believes they can win an All Ireland with their club over the county then they might throw their lot behind the club. Antrim for whatever reason, club is king

Is it?  One obvious club possibly but the remainder get behind the Saffs surely?   

Do we though? Do we really commit to what's needed at the top table? Or do we collectively not have good footballers?

Because if we do have good footballers then we need to get them up to that level of physical fitness that we see from teams at Div 1. Seeing lads from other counties coming off the pitch in regards to ours is night and day.

Gone are the days of the stylish but light footballers, that we had many of in the past, that just doesn't count anymore. Size strength are up their with skill and application

The problem is it takes a good few years to develop a player into that type, sticking to it, is very hard.

I would agree that physically we are not up to it.   We have a big side at the moment but limited with their skills.  the challenge is to get our most talented footballers physically competitive.   

Speaking to a man there about the Tailteann cup. So in theory, Antrim could make it all the way to the final which is 13th July. This would mean that there would be a good handful of players that won't have kicked a single league ball for their clubs over 15 games? Is this correct? And potentially may only get a couple of championship group games if their club doesn't progress? Jesus Christ the system is well and truly broken.

In successful counties that was/is common enough over the years with the various different formats they used.

So do we want a successful county team or a successful club team?

If a club player believes they can win an All Ireland with their club over the county then they might throw their lot behind the club. Antrim for whatever reason, club is king

Is it?  One obvious club possibly but the remainder get behind the Saffs surely?   

Weakest Tailteann Cup list since its inception so expecting a final appearance as a minimum

Aodhan using that considerable experience well, has had a great career.  Pollock must be looking sharp again if match reports are to be believed.

That's that for another year.  And we wonder why we can't get kids to buy into the Saffron dream. 

is it?

at least we are in the top 3rd of hurling counties

we may start putting our resources into the ladies football as we are getting further away from the top in the mens football.   keep making the same mistakes year after year

County players available for this weekend?

6 Days before Ulster championship match?

championship now doesnt seem to matter.  tailteann cup the priority.

not much we can do with the league structures now.  we just have to live with them and see how the year plays out.   normally the weaker teams will be hungry for points at the start of the year anyway so not much has changed but come late league or championship i would agree there could be some wallopings handed out.  we will only know at the end of the season if it needs to be readdressed.   

Important win for Antrim at the weekend. The league campaign has been fairly poor but thankfully the unanticipated gift of Offaly, Wicklow and Limerick being exceptionally tragic gave us a lifeline.

It is all about the championship, the only barometer that we have.  A good showing will confine the league campaign to the dustbin.   

Were the u20s playing last night? If so how did they get on?

There was a good article in the irish news interviewing Niall Jackman. Pretty much covered what was covered here.

The game is tonight, they took a fair beating by Tyrone (who are on of the best) but by recent Antrim standards that u20 team has some real good players in it.
Most worrying aspect of the article was the reality that whats coming behind these current u20s is of a much lower standard

Worrying thought.

Maybe its time for Antrim to take the lead in alternative development rather than following in the slipstream of other counties. What is working for them isn't working for us. We don't appear to be any closer to catching up with the rest of ulster despite Dunsilly and the development squads. The only good thing about being at the bottom is the only way is up.

As I said before, 82 a more genuine accomplishment than the noughties gatherups.   

But 82 is a long time ago and now you're surviving in div 1 by the skin of your teeth.   You go down to div 2 you won't be coming up again

Not in the slightest.  Two small country clubs doing the most with what they have. Neither bought into the Get rich quick schemes employed by others. 

There is a reason why Dunloy and Cargin overachieve despite small playing numbers.  It is the same reason as why competitive school football environments are essential.   The rest are playing a numbers game hoping population size sorts out their root problems. 

There is a reason why both these teams are in division 3 and shot selection and composure are two of them. 

Antrim missed plenty but lets be fair so did Westmeath who carved us open through the middle at times with ease.  Cant fault the effort from the players, gave their all just were beaten by a better side on the day.  Big effort needed for the wicklow match in particular

Any news on Shea Downey playing for Antrim? Seen Oran Downey regularly on Antrim bench, and was wondering would his Downey brethren be playin for the saffron yellow this year? Obviously not getting a look in under Mickey, and with him playing club football in Beal Feirste at Musgrave, wouldn't it a be a no-brainer to transfer over? Food for thought lads? Only a newbie here 

welcome Seamus