Antrim Football Thread

[Gold]

In other news I see James Loughrey has been nominated for an All Star.

Unbelievable achievement for a man who only went down to Cork in Feb/March this year--only Cork player to get a nomination.
I actually don't think he played as well this year as he has done in past 4 for Antrim. He wasn't dictating games the way he did for us yet and all gets a nomination as your profile is higher when playing Div 1 football. Such a loss to the County.

Re thinking outside the box for a manager its the way to go.

I'd said before about Greg McGonigle who managed Monaghan ladies and manages the Ulster team. If you could get him and Banty in that would be class. Seriously good training sessions and knowledge of football and Antrim Football. Ask any Monaghan/Ulster ones. Discipline would be serious. No crap would be taken.

Outside the box as suggested is the way to go--look at how Baker worked--unreal, our best ever in terms of results, a real leader.

[north aontroim gael]

In other news I see James Loughrey has been nominated for an All Star.

Indeed.  Serious athlete and serious footballer.  Well done.

[jftj]

rumours going about that dawson quit antrim to take a higher paying job at bryansford.good luck with that one bryansford and thanks a lot.

[glens abu]

rumours going about that dawson quit antrim to take a higher paying job at bryansford.good luck with that one bryansford and thanks a lot.

Heard that myself,good luck to them both.

[county derry post]

Ten of Ulster's foremost GAA personalities will be on hand this Saturday as the 'Superstars Challenge' is officially launched at Bellaghy GAA (11am).



Based on the International Superstars idea, the event is an all-around sports competition that pits elite athletes from different sports against one another in a series of athletic events resembling a decathlon.

With the Challenge due to take place on 28th December, all proceeds raised will go to Marie Curie Cancer Care – an organisation playing a vital role in supporting cancer sufferers and their families.

The organisers believe the event – a first for the GAA – will capture the imagination of the general public building up to the unique December show-down.

Former Derry footballer and member of the organising committee, Ronan Rocks, explained what the next few months will involve:

"We will have our launch this weekend but that's only the start.

"The key fundraising campaign centres around ten star GAA players from throughout Ulster participating in a series of events throughout the day. We feel this event will appeal to the wider community. To have ten high profile sporting stars competing against each other in a unique event will obtain the much needed funds as well as generate a vast awareness of the event and associated sponsors throughout."

Already ahead of the game, organisers have set up Twitter (@SuperSCh) and Facebook pages to keep people informed and up to date with latest developments.

Ten local companies have already agreed sponsorship of the participants and it is hoped that the wider public will contribute further to what will be a unique event this December.

The 2013 event will also seek to raise awareness for another worthy cause, as Rocks explains:

"We have also decided that through this campaign we want to continue to raise awareness for the "Opt for Life" campaign and we are delighted to have Joe Brolly, who is a strong campaigner for this worthy cause, within our fundraising committee." explained Rocks.

Further event information and background

Athletes can compete in up to eight of the ten events, with no-one generally allowed to take part in their own sport, although some handicapping rules do apply.

Competitors participate in a range of different sporting events, including a 100m sprint, 800 metres (0.50 mi) run, obstacle course or Steeplechase, weightlifting, football, rowing, tennis, basketball, bicycle racing, shooting and swimming. The sports used have varied over time and between the various international competitions.

Points are awarded for the position in which the competitor places in each event. The competitor with the most points at the end of all the events is declared the champion.

How would you like to see Ulster GAA's Finest compete in such an event???

Could Ryan Bell beat Marty McGrath in a full length of the field sprint???

Could Aaron Kernan do more press ups than Michael McCann???

Could Owen Mulligan bench press more than Kieran Hughes???

Just some of the examples that only a Superstars challenge could bring!

Competitors:

(1) Ryan Bell (Derry) Nicholl Oils
(2) Owen Mulligan (Tyrone) O'Neills
(3) Michael McCann (Antrim) Creagh Concrete
(4) Eamon McGee (Donegal) H & A Mechanical
(5) Darren Hughes (Monaghan) Bannvale Credit Union
(6) Kevin McKernan (Down) Mac Trailers
(7) Marty McGrath (Fermanagh) DPD
( Marty Dunne (Cavan) Kingspan
(9) Aaron Kernan (Armagh) SDC
(10) Fergal Doherty (Bellaghy) Specialist Joinery Fittings

[jftj]

still no news on the manager front for antrim?county board needs to get this sorted out asap.after such a terrible year,the new management are gonna need time to undo the mess dawson made of it last year.the sooner the better.

[glens abu]

still no news on the manager front for antrim?county board needs to get this sorted out asap.after such a terrible year,the new management are gonna need time to undo the mess dawson made of it last year.the sooner the better.

Think we should hear something next week jift,who would you like to get the job?

[brendanbelfast]

It will be sorted in good time. CB should take whatever time is necessary to get the right solution in place, not rush in.

[glens abu]

It will be sorted in good time. CB should take whatever time is necessary to get the right solution in place, not rush in.

Def not rush in Brendan but they need to get the finger out and at least give us an idea of what the criteria is for the post.Has Brendan Crossen (Irish News)a direct line to cb or is he pushing his own agenda.Do people have to wait and be approached by cb,do they need to apply or  do they have to be  be nominated by clubs.Is the cc being proactive or what?I for one would love to see people with a real Antrim pedigree getting the post and think Adams and Madden would fit the bill,both gave their all for the county and now have a fair few years coaching and managing between them.Just hope the cb realise the mistake they make on the last appointment and get it right this time.

[AQMP]

According to the local papers down here Frank Dawson is one of the contenders for the Fermanagh job.

[jftj]

It will be sorted in good time. CB should take whatever time is necessary to get the right solution in place, not rush in.

Def not rush in Brendan but they need to get the finger out and at least give us an idea of what the criteria is for the post.Has Brendan Crossen (Irish News)a direct line to cb or is he pushing his own agenda.Do people have to wait and be approached by cb,do they need to apply or  do they have to be  be nominated by clubs.Is the cc being proactive or what?I for one would love to see people with a real Antrim pedigree getting the post and think Adams and Madden would fit the bill,both gave their all for the county and now have a fair few years coaching and managing between them.Just hope the cb realise the mistake they make on the last appointment and get it right this time.

i would like adams and madden to get the job.i know these boys very well and think they would complement each other ;with both having served their respective apprenticeships in county management.but at this stage we dont know if either have even given a thought to working with each other.

[jftj]

According to the local papers down here Frank Dawson is one of the contenders for the Fermanagh job.

from peter canavan to frank dawson,now that would be a spectecular fall from grace.but if it pays well i,m sure the mercenary dawson will apply.

[glens abu]

It will be sorted in good time. CB should take whatever time is necessary to get the right solution in place, not rush in.

Def not rush in Brendan but they need to get the finger out and at least give us an idea of what the criteria is for the post.Has Brendan Crossen (Irish News)a direct line to cb or is he pushing his own agenda.Do people have to wait and be approached by cb,do they need to apply or  do they have to be  be nominated by clubs.Is the cc being proactive or what?I for one would love to see people with a real Antrim pedigree getting the post and think Adams and Madden would fit the bill,both gave their all for the county and now have a fair few years coaching and managing between them.Just hope the cb realise the mistake they make on the last appointment and get it right this time.

i would like adams and madden to get the job.i know these boys very well and think they would complement each other ;with both having served their respective apprenticeships in county management.but at this stage we dont know if either have even given a thought to working with each other.

Yes would be interesting to know if they would,maybe they should let the Irish News know if they are interested.

[Gold]

It will be sorted in good time. CB should take whatever time is necessary to get the right solution in place, not rush in.

Brendan as a avid Antrim Fan I would implore you to ask the county board to think outside the box and consider outsiders and untried (at Senior County Mens Level) such as Greg McGonigle as I mentioned before. This man had Banty working under him for Monaghan ladies. They would be some double team to get. Don't forget banty wouldn't know the footballers in Antrim bar watching a few trials, McGonigle would know many. I wouldn't care who managed but if both involved then great. They work together in business and could make time (although I fear Fermanagh may slip in as they are closer, but we have better potential).

We picked Baker from relative obscurity and look at the dividends we reaped. Someone like that would command and get respect. A lot of our boys are disrespectful, to our county and managers, especially insiders they feel they are better than. Someone like Malachy or Aidan O'Rourke or the McNultys etc would have the players respect. People who have recently managed teams in recent AI Finals would get respect.

At least approach ALL of the above named. I don't expect you the County Board to really know football. In my view none of you were any good at sport and so cant truly understand football and management.

Please listen to advice. This is not through arrogance, or 'I know best' sort of thing. I just want what's best for our County as I follow them through the forthcoming years. When im away in Ennis next March I want us to have our best team out under a manager with a gameplan, not just some ex player lazily shoe-horned in who doesn't have the charisma to command the respect of half our players.

[glens abu]

It will be sorted in good time. CB should take whatever time is necessary to get the right solution in place, not rush in.

Brendan as a avid Antrim Fan I would implore you to ask the county board to think outside the box and consider outsiders and untried (at Senior County Mens Level) such as Greg McGonigle as I mentioned before. This man had Banty working under him for Monaghan ladies. They would be some double team to get. Don't forget banty wouldn't know the footballers in Antrim bar watching a few trials, McGonigle would know many. I wouldn't care who managed but if both involved then great. They work together in business and could make time (although I fear Fermanagh may slip in as they are closer, but we have better potential).

We picked Baker from relative obscurity and look at the dividends we reaped. Someone like that would command and get respect. A lot of our boys are disrespectful, to our county and managers, especially insiders they feel they are better than. Someone like Malachy or Aidan O'Rourke or the McNultys etc would have the players respect. People who have recently managed teams in recent AI Finals would get respect.

At least approach ALL of the above named. I don't expect you the County Board to really know football. In my view none of you were any good at sport and so cant truly understand football and management.

Please listen to advice. This is not through arrogance, or 'I know best' sort of thing. I just want what's best for our County as I follow them through the forthcoming years. When im away in Ennis next March I want us to have our best team out under a manager with a gameplan, not just some ex player lazily shoe-horned in who doesn't have the charisma to command the respect of half our players.

you trying to say our seniors play like a lot of women :-[you might be right and its a women coach we need.