Hope humbly then; with trembling pinions soar;
Wait the great teacher Death; and God adore!
What future bliss, he gives not thee to know,
But gives that hope to be thy blessing now.
Hope springs eternal in the human breast:
Man never is, but always to be blest:
The soul, uneasy and confin'd from home,
Rests and expatiates in a life to come.
- Alexander Pope
So it begins, home draw and a goodish record against Ulster teams, no excuses shit or get off the pot Kildare
No pope here, as they say in Belfast.
This should be a cracker
Good test for both teams, but my money starting this evening would be on Antrim based on the two 1st round games.
Will be an interesting side show watching McGenney and Baker also ... both will be spoken about as replacements for their home counties for next season.
Very interesting draw, could be a cracking match. Kildare will learn a a lot about themselves from this, one way or the other.
Quote from: ExiledGael on June 13, 2010, 07:18:08 PM
Very interesting draw, could be a cracking match. Kildare will learn a a lot about themselves from this, one way or the other.
Gee ... I'd have thought they learned enough the last day out!!!
Could this be McGeenys last game in charge?
Anyone can be caught out on an off day, they know as Dinny says it's shit or get off the pot time. It won't be easy.
The fact it's away is a small spanner in the mix for Antrim.
Won't see 6 or 7 in it for Antrim either!
Antrim hammered Louth in the league, there's your form line all we want from Kildare is a bit of dog and some passion.
If Kildare lose I's say McGeeney is gone, some senior clubs already staring to move against him, new Chairman is allegedly not a fan either..
McGeeney has spent a lot of money and not produced a result of note or at least to support the investment, so CB's are going to look at that of course.
Tactically, losing Grimley was a bad move and it's showed that he hadn't the experience to manage at IC level.
Physically they've been struggling so badly and have had far too many serious injuries for a team that being trained properly or intelligently.
Some of the player selection has to be questioned also, especially with what else is in the county.
It's definitely last chance saloon for this set up.
His choice of Aidan O'Rourke as selector did not go down well in Kildare either, another stick to beat him with and it's hard to see what he has brought to the table, also he more less told the Juniors (Kildare's B team) that they shouldn't be playing with their clubs either.
Really looking forwards to this one. Could be the tie of the round.
Hard one to call at this stage. Kildare should be well up for it and I'd expect a reaction after the shambles of last weekend. Having it in Newbridge is a big plus, it should be worth a few points to us - I wouldn't fancy our chances at all if we had to go up to Belfast.
McGeeney has to earn his corn now and make some big calls. Radical surgery is required on that backline to give us any hope. If we line out with square pegs in round holes again we'll be slaughtered.
Team I'd like to see:
Goalkeeper - Corley is back on the panel but I've no preference really between himself, Shorty and Flood. Shorty didn't do a whole lot wrong in the Louth match but his kickouts do lack variation at times. The same criticism could be made of Corley. Flood wouldn't let Kildare down but he's hardly a man for the future.
1. McCormack - stick with the man in possession of the shirt and hope his kickouts improve
Backs - The warning signs have been there for 18 months and it was no surprise that a team finally went to town on that Kildare defence last weekend. Too many lads being played out of position and having their confidence damaged as a result. Chalky has to be moved out of full-back and Flanagan hasn't hit the heights of last year at centre-back. The lack of natural corner-backs on the panel is frightening and I'd hope to see Leper selected in one of the corners where he's never let Kildare down.
2. Callaghan - probably the best corner-back on the panel and far less inclined to give away needless frees a la Bolton/Mac
3. Foley - doesn't look like Kevin O'Neill will be back and Foley did better last year than anyone who has been tried in 2010
4. O'Flaherty - did ok as a corner-back in 2008 and has improved as a player since then
5. McGrillen - fine footballer who would be far more comfortable and effective in the half-backs than in the full-back line
6. White - will be keen to put last weekend behind him and should be given a shot at redemption in his best position
7. Flanagan - doesn't hold the centre well enough for me at no6 but he should be given a chance on the wing
Midfield - The Moorefield pair were well beaten in the first half last weekend but in fairness to them the half-backs/forwards were poor on the breaks. David Whyte has plenty of fight in him but his skills and decision making aren't good enough for this level yet. Flynn deserves another go after his league showings and will hopefully benefit from having a fully fit Dermot Earley alongside him.
8. Flynn - poor enough the last day but missed Earley alongside him in the first half
9. Earley - hopefully will be over the injury and won't be as rusty as he was when he came on
Forwards - Not sure this 2-2-2 thing is working anymore and we seemed to be much better in the second half against Louth when we brought O'Connor in at full-forward and went with the more orthodox 3-3 approach. Roli will be very lucky if he holds his place and I'd like to see Cribbin's pace utilised in the half-forwards. Hopefully Eoghan O'Flaherty is over his injury because we need more forward options off the bench.
10. Cribbin - not a defender and was still unfortunate to have been taken off to accomodate Chalky
11. Kavanagh - our best player the last day and could be very effective dictating matters on the forty
12. O'Connor - Roli was poor against Louth and O'Connor is in good form and could be an effective third midfielder
13. Smith - starved of ball against Louth but showed flashes of what he's capable of
14. O'Neill - stupidly substituted in Navan so will be well up for this, could interchange with O'Connor in the half-forwards
15. Doyle - tends to go too deep (by necessity more than choice) when he's on the wing, keep him inside where he can do damage
Should be a cracker. Antrim lose this and despite all the progress made last year it'd be played 2 lost 2 in the Championship. Geezer's last stand too.
Hmm I'd go for
O'Callaghan,
Foley,
McGrillen
Scanlon
White
Cribben
Flynn
Earley
O'Connor
Doyle
Kavnagh
Smith
O'Neill
Ennis
Flanagan and O'Flaherty way off the pace imho, Flanagan looks like a body builder not a footballer..
This is a tough draw for antrim.
I think it is one they can win but Kildare would have to be strong favourites. They were tanked by Louth but I find it hard to believe they're as bad as that day suggested.
The key position Kildare are weak in is FB but Antrim don't actually have a FF to expose that.
Close one to call. Paddy Cunningham missing doesn't help.
Quote from: Dinny Breen on June 13, 2010, 09:15:40 PM
Flanagan and O'Flaherty way off the pace imho, Flanagan looks like a body builder not a footballer..
Bit harsh on Morgan Dinny?
Off the pace against Louth for sure - but who wasn't in the backs. I thought he was our best defender in the NFL when he came back from his suspension.
Agree re Flanagan. Gone way back since last year. I wouldn't have any issues if Scanlon was picked ahead of him. I've a horrible feeling McGeeney will make few changes though. He doesn't seem to have much trust in certain players on the fringes of the panel.
Tough draw for us, away too, Kildare should be big favourites, looks like we'll be without our main free taker and as imtommygunn says we've no out and out FF. Kildare's to lose.
Quote from: Donnellys Hollow on June 13, 2010, 10:44:14 PM
Quote from: Dinny Breen on June 13, 2010, 09:15:40 PM
Flanagan and O'Flaherty way off the pace imho, Flanagan looks like a body builder not a footballer..
Bit harsh on Morgan Dinny?
Off the pace against Louth for sure - but who wasn't in the backs. I thought he was our best defender in the NFL when he came back from his suspension.
Agree re Flanagan. Gone way back since last year. I wouldn't have any issues if Scanlon was picked ahead of him. I've a horrible feeling McGeeney will make few changes though. He doesn't seem to have much trust in certain players on the fringes of the panel.
Maybe but you've retained 4/6 that played against Louth and I just think McGeeney needs to be ruthless in his selection, I'd even make a case for Rainbow ahead of Cribben, just to provide some leadership in defence.
Antrim heads, you should come down for the weekend for this, it's Derby weekend in Kildare. Newbridge and Kildare Town are generally hopping over these three days and you'll get some World Class racing in as well.
I believe that this will be easy enough for us. Kildare aren't the team they were since the late 90s and even though they won Sam for the first time ever when Sam was a trophy for the first time ever they're probably not the same team as they were then even too.
Paddy Cunningham will be a big miss and Conor McGourty's injury too but we're much better than Kildare in every way, even as a county. Kildare is just flat land and horses. Antrim has many many things from Larne harbour to the Giant's Causeway to Napoleon's nose to the H&W docks etc etc. For marketing purposes for ads on RTE, Antrim should go thrrough.
Translink Announce Special Enterprise Service for Kildare Match
14 June 2010
C Rogan (Translink)
Translink are happy to announce on the back of Antrim Supporters Associations PRO Carl Whyte's request to charter a special Enterprise Service to Dublin connecting to Newbridge Kildare for the game between Kildare and Antrim.
Seven carriages of the Enterprise Service have currently been reserved with the possibility of this being extended if interest prevails.
Please remember to book early through the Translink Ticketing website or through our General Enquiry office on 028 90666630. The cost of the return booking will be a special rate of £27.50 online booking or £32 when placing a booking through the enquiry line.
Please also remember to have your credit/debit card details to hand to ensure a fast and efficient service.
Finally Translink would like to wish Kevin 'Boxer' Bradley's Antrim the Best of Luck and hope all supporters have a most enjoyable day whether traveling with Translink or other.
Kevin 'Boxer' Bradley?? WTF?
Quote from: drici on June 14, 2010, 11:33:51 AM
Translink Announce Special Enterprise Service for Kildare Match
14 June 2010
C Rogan (Translink)
Translink are happy to announce on the back of Antrim Supporters Associations PRO Carl Whyte's request to charter a special Enterprise Service to Dublin connecting to Newbridge Kildare for the game between Kildare and Antrim.
Seven carriages of the Enterprise Service have currently been reserved with the possibility of this being extended if interest prevails.
Please remember to book early through the Translink Ticketing website or through our General Enquiry office on 028 90666630. The cost of the return booking will be a special rate of £27.50 online booking or £32 when placing a booking through the enquiry line.
Please also remember to have your credit/debit card details to hand to ensure a fast and efficient service.
Finally Translink would like to wish Kevin 'Boxer' Bradley's Antrim the Best of Luck and hope all supporters have a most enjoyable day whether traveling with Translink or other.
Quote from: omagh_gael on June 14, 2010, 11:46:21 AM
Kevin 'Boxer' Bradley?? WTF?
It has been confirmed as an
elaborate hoax! ::) Here's a snippet from the Antrim guestbook:
Name : Supporter14 June 2010
There was something on the website by Translink about a train going. Cant seem to see the details now. Do we know anymore about if it is going or not.
It was an elaborate hoax. Tranlink have confirmed that putting on a train would not be a viable proposition.Still, it would take an
elaborate hoax to fool Podge and Rodge, the Antrim Guestbook moderators ;D
Hi guys! I know you're reading ;) Could have happened anyone...
Now who's this guy Larry Tompkins that McGeeney has named in his starting lineup for the qualifiers? I bet Podge and Rodge are worried...
:) :) :D :D ;D ;D
Class. Might put manners in that (them) boy(s)!
Anyone who thinks Antrim will beat Kildare easy is kidding themselves. If we play like the first half against Tyrone we'll get walloped. Play like the second and we have a chance though.
Class draw and i cant wait to travel down. Couldnt have got a better draw as delighted didnt get a team in Ulster and wanted an away draw to get a trip away.
Always loved kildare since a kid as they played an open brand of football with boys like Eddie Mccormick, Pauric Gravin in the corner hittin the frees (is that right name?) McCreery, O'Dwyer and Early.
First Jersey i ever got bar Antrim
2 fast non cynical teams will make for a great game.
Went to Wicklow/Kildare game in Portlaoise last year and atmosphere and colour were great.
Hope we see a repeat of that atmosphere, hope Antrim start well or at least stick with Kildare for the start and leave the game up for grabs in the 2nd half
well i have to agree that this might be geezer last stand but the tided turned against him very quickly after last year. this show s how fickle the Gaea is especially going on what dinny breen is saying who probably hasn t played r managed a team in his life. this is set up to be a cracker but i think kildare will win by a few points. they have great experience in their team and what do people know about kildare expenditure ,must have inside info.but anyway kildare into round 2 .
Quotedinny breen is saying who probably hasn t played r managed a team in his life
Eh? I played senior football and senior rugby and have coached and managed 6 different teams but thanks for the disparaging comment even it was in text speak...
Quote from: Dinny Breen on June 14, 2010, 10:01:16 AM
Antrim heads, you should come down for the weekend for this, it's Derby weekend in Kildare. Newbridge and Kildare Town are generally hopping over these three days and you'll get some World Class racing in as well.
Cheers, might just do this.
Lads, I fully expect Paddy Cunningham to start the game. He is a doubt but I reckon he'll pull through.
Quote from: SambaSaffron on June 15, 2010, 12:34:32 PM
Quote from: Dinny Breen on June 14, 2010, 10:01:16 AM
Antrim heads, you should come down for the weekend for this, it's Derby weekend in Kildare. Newbridge and Kildare Town are generally hopping over these three days and you'll get some World Class racing in as well.
Cheers, might just do this.
Lads, I fully expect Paddy Cunningham to start the game. He is a doubt but I reckon he'll pull through.
Good I hope you are right Sam
dinny breen stick to the rugby then i think.
Quote from: glens abu on June 15, 2010, 02:01:00 PM
Quote from: SambaSaffron on June 15, 2010, 12:34:32 PM
Quote from: Dinny Breen on June 14, 2010, 10:01:16 AM
Antrim heads, you should come down for the weekend for this, it's Derby weekend in Kildare. Newbridge and Kildare Town are generally hopping over these three days and you'll get some World Class racing in as well.
Cheers, might just do this.
Lads, I fully expect Paddy Cunningham to start the game. He is a doubt but I reckon he'll pull through.
Good I hope you are right Sam
BBC reporting that Paddy Cunningham will be alright but Andy McClean has a crocked knee and won't start.
Quote from: jobo11 on June 15, 2010, 10:54:02 AM
well i have to agree that this might be geezer last stand but the tided turned against him very quickly after last year. this show s how fickle the Gaea is especially going on what dinny breen is saying who probably hasn t played r managed a team in his life. this is set up to be a cracker but i think kildare will win by a few points. they have great experience in their team and what do people know about kildare expenditure ,must have inside info.but anyway kildare into round 2 .
I'm sure DB has seen a lot more of Kildare over the past three years than yourself and is entitled to his opinions.
Keith Cribbin out injured for a few weeks apparently. Opportunity for Eoghan O'Flaherty maybe?
Quote from: Dinny Breen on June 13, 2010, 07:06:26 PM
Hope humbly then; with trembling pinions soar;
Wait the great teacher Death; and God adore!
What future bliss, he gives not thee to know,
But gives that hope to be thy blessing now.
Hope springs eternal in the human breast:
Man never is, but always to be blest:
The soul, uneasy and confin'd from home,
Rests and expatiates in a life to come.
- Alexander Pope
So it begins, home draw and a goodish record against Ulster teams, no excuses shit or get off the pot Kildare
Just seeing this now. That's excellent Dinny. I think it'd be a great idea if every match thread was introduced with a suitable verse or quotation.
yes i agree DH that everyone is entitled to an opinion, but i would think that i would have seen more of kildare then DB over the last couple of years. so i think im entitled to an opinion myself. :)
Many of the Antrim lads going? I certainly will be. No booze though, due to the ridiculous decision to play club games on Sunday.
Personnally I'd like to see this game postponed.
Very hard to concentrate on football with the week that's in it I'd imagine. I think the logical decison would be to put the game back a week as a mark of respect but it's doubtful given the way these back door games are scheduled.
Why should it be postponed? What happened?
Gold
Just read this myself http://gaaboard.com/board/index.php?topic=16581.0
Gonna be a tight game, Kildare will be missing a few if the game goes ahead
This from Hoganstand and CLub Aontroma
Kildare seek postponement
24 June 2010
Kildare officials are confident that Croke Park will agree to their request for a postponement of Saturday's All-Ireland football qualifier against Antrim following the death of Dermot Earley Snr yesterday.
The former Roscommon and Kildare manager's funeral will take place in Newbridge at 11am, just hours before the game is due to take place at St. Conleth's Park. The deceased's son, All-Star midfielder Dermot Jnr, is a key member of the Kildare side and all of his team-mates are expected to attend the funeral.
With the second round of the qualifiers not taking place until July 10, the GAA could agree to put the match back by a week to Saturday, July 3.
CCCC chairman Seamus Woods said the GAA would consider the Kildare request.
"Absolutely - an iconic figure like that. There is no big kind of pressure that it has to be played this week," he said.
From Hoganstand
Kildare game goes ahead as planned
24 June 2010
Kildare's All-Ireland football qualifier against Antrim will go ahead as planned on Saturday evening in St. Conleth's Park.
The Earley family, who are mourning the death of Dermot Snr, have expressed the wish that the game take place as scheduled at 7pm.
Croke Park chiefs were expected to receive a request from the Kildare county board today seeking a postponement of Saturday's game, with the CCCC already indicating they would agree to the request.
Dermot Earley's funeral will take earlier on Saturday in Newbridge.
The deceased's son, All-Star midfielder Dermot Jnr, is a key member of the Kildare side and all of his team-mates were expected to attend the funeral.
The right call IMO. I'd guess, without any knowledge of what happened, that the family didn't ask for a postponement.
Going to be a very emotional night...
http://www.leinsterleader.ie/sport/Dermot-Earley-makes-himself-available.6383038.jp (http://www.leinsterleader.ie/sport/Dermot-Earley-makes-himself-available.6383038.jp)
Quote
Dermot Earley makes himself available for selection for Antrim clash
24 June 2010
By RUTH O'BRIEN
In a touching gesture Dermot Earley has made himself available for seletion for this Saturday's All Ireland qualifier clash with Antrim.
The Sarsfields' man, who won an All Star award in 2009, is likely to start in midfield for Kildare in St Conleth's Park on Saturday evening just hours after his father's funeral mass and burial in Newbridge.
The midfield man beleives his late father would have wanted him to line out for the Lilies in the opening round of the All Ireland qualifiers.
Hopefully we can give him a fitting tribute.
Fair play and only fitting that this great midfielder takes his place on Sat evening.
will be a very emotional night for the player and friends.
QuoteFair play and only fitting that this great midfielder takes his place on Sat evening.
will be a very emotional night for the player and friends.
Yes it will be very emotional but I think that starting him shows Geezer's lack of managerial experience. Bouncing him off the bench to rapturous applause to lift the team would be an option that would suit both the team and Early. It would prove much shrewder than starting him only to face the possiblity of having to sub him if his head if not right in an all or nothing game. For Early's sake I hope this is not the case.
Not for this reason, moreso because I think Kildare have gione downhill without Grimley, taken Antrim to win by 4-6 points at 8/1
Quote from: StGallsGAA on June 24, 2010, 09:34:04 PM
...Bouncing him off the bench to rapturous applause to lift the team would be an option that would suit both the team and Early.
The last place he'd want to be after such a traumatic afternoon would be sitting moping, musing and reminiscing on a bench -- nothing for it but to send him straight in.
Fair dues to the Earley family, and Dermot óg himself.
QuoteThe last place he'd want to be after such a traumatic afternoon would be sitting moping, musing and reminiscing on a bench -- nothing for it but to send him straight in.
and then have to sub him if it doesn't work out? would be very tough on the lad.
Whatever about a rapturous reception coming on as a sub, it would be as nothing to the rapturous ovation he'd receive coming off, even after being substituted after giving his best. Who's going to reproach him for falling short on his usual high standards on such an evening, if it comes to that?
Quote
Whatever about a rapturous reception coming on as a sub, it would be as nothing to the rapturous ovation he'd receive coming off, even after being substituted after giving his best. Who's going to reproach him for falling short on his usual high standards on such an evening, if it comes to that?
No-one, but the manager has to pick up the pieces, hence my original post.
Well, whatever his state coming on initially (and you're assuming that he won't play to his usual high standards, I'm not), it would be a lot worse had he to loiter on the bench beforehand. As I said, the only thing the Geezer can do is put him on from the start (or are you suggesting he doesn't play him at all, hardly?).
Hence your original post is simply wrong ;)
Probable Kildare team according to the Nationalist:
Shane McCormack; Peter Kelly, Hugh McGrillen, Andrew McLoughlin; Brian Flanagan, Emmet Bolton, Morgan O'Flaherty; Daryl Flynn, Dermot Earley; James Kavanagh, John Doyle, Ronan Sweeney; Alan Smith, Padraig O'Neill, Eamonn Callaghan.
Smith is out after going over on his ankle so I suppose either Eoghan O'Flaherty or Karl Ennis will come in.
Hopefully this game will be a fine tribute for Dermot Snr and is played with committment honesty and plenty of passion from both sides, I know the Kildare lads will give everything on Saturday and regardless of the result that is all we can ask for.
Quote from: Dinny Breen on June 25, 2010, 12:46:26 PM
Hopefully this game will be a fine tribute for Dermot Snr and is played with committment honesty and plenty of passion from both sides, I know the Kildare lads will give everything on Saturday and regardless of the result that is all we can ask for.
Hear hear.
Cill Dara abú!
Quote from: hardstation on June 25, 2010, 11:28:38 PM
We're entering a strange game here. A game where football doesn't seem so important after all. Although I'm awaiting the game with anticipation, I'm finding it hard to comment on it (like most others). I suppose it is time to get over what happened this week, there's a fecking important match to be won here. I'm sure Dermot Earley Snr won't be frowning down on me for holding that view.
Anyway, I think we can sneak it but it will be tight.
It's feckin strange. Reading about Dermot Earley Snr, I think "I'd like to see them win" before I realise "Houl on to fcuk, we're playing them".
Mad stuff. Antrim by 2.
Great Post Hardstation. I'm afraid though in the day that's in it I'll be supporting the Lilywhites.
what radio station will it be on?
Cill Dara win the toss and play with the breeze.
Cill Dara 0-00 Aontroim 0-01
Cill Dara 0-00 Aontroim 0-02
Cill Dara 0-01 Aontroim 0-02
Cill Dara 0-02 Aontroim 0-02
Anyone know the antrim line-up?
Are the McGourtys on? What about Cunningham and Mick McCann?
Kevin Mc Gourty playing.
Cill Dara 0-04 Aontroim 0-02
Paddy Cunningham 0-2
Whats Mc Greevey at?
Cill Dara 0-05 Aontroim 0-04
0-06 0-04
Cill Dara 0-08 Aontroim 0-07
Half Time
Antrim playing well, could be a good second half with a strong breeze behind them, McGreevey doing mental short kick outs!!! hopefully different this half
Cill Dara 0-08 Aontroim 0-07
Teams not coming out.
Antrim came out and went back in.
22 minutes break so far.
Any idea why?
Is this on radio anywhere?
28 mnutes team talk at half time!!!!!
Here - http://news.bbc.co.uk/sport1/hi/northern_ireland/8612039.stm
Cill Dara 0-09 Aontroim 0-07
2nd Half
Quote from: Zulu on June 26, 2010, 08:09:23 PM
Here - http://news.bbc.co.uk/sport1/hi/northern_ireland/8612039.stm
Cheers Zulu
Cill Dara 0-09 Aontroim 0-08
Cill Dara 0-09 Aontroim 0-09
Cill Dara 0-10 Aontroim 0-09
Goal needed by Antrim here. Niblock me thinks
Cill Dara 0-11 Aontroim 0-09
Cill Dara 0-11 Aontroim 0-10
Cill Dara 0-12 Aontroim 0-10
only two wides in the whole match!!!
should be a score here
Cill Dara 0-12 Aontroim 0-11
Cill Dara 0-13 Aontroim 0-11
Cheers Drici. How longs left?
Cill Dara 0-13 Aontroim 0-12
7 minutes
Cill Dara 0-13 Aontroim 0-13
Cill Dara 0-13 Aontroim 0-13
Full Time
Extra Time to be played.
Scullion with chance at the end
Cill Dara 0-13 Aontroim 0-13
Teams away into the dressing rooms.
For another 28 minutes?
Cill Dara 0-13 Aontroim 0-13
Cill Dara with the breeze.
1st Half in Extra Time
Cill Dara 0-14 Aontroim 0-13
Cill Dara 0-15 Aontroim 0-13
Cill Dara 0-15 Aontroim 0-14
Cill Dara 0-15 Aontroim 0-14
Half Time in Extra Time
http://news.bbc.co.uk/sport1/hi/northern_ireland/8612039.stm
Cill Dara 0-15 Aontroim 0-14
Aontroim with the breeze.
2nd Half in Extra Time
'Mon the saffrons!
It would be a pity for antrim to go out at this stage. One last push lads
do we take it the PJ Cunningham scoring for Antrim, according to the RTE website, is Paddy. Is he known as PJ as well? Today FM announced at 4 O'Clock that Ronan Clarke had scored 2 goals for Armagh. He'd be happy with that considering he was being ruled out for the year!
Cill Dara 0-15 Aontroim 0-15
Quote from: Any craic on June 26, 2010, 09:16:20 PM
do we take it the PJ Cunningham scoring for Antrim, according to the RTE website, is Paddy. Is he known as PJ as well? Today FM announced at 4 O'Clock that Ronan Clarke had scored 2 goals for Armagh. He'd be happy with that considering he was being ruled out for the year!
It is Paddy, he has 0-10 thus far
Sounds like a cracker. . . 'mon the Saffrons one last score will do it!
Cill Dara 0-15 Aontroim 0-15
Sin é.
Back to Casey.
Who did the scoring lads?
Paddy CUnningham got 0-10 for Antrim and John Doyle I think 6 or 7.
The qualifiers are throwing up some stormers.
Brilliant result Antrim, well done lads. Over the last year they've beaten Donegal away, beaten Cavan, run Tyrone relatively close twice, given Kerry their fill, promoted twice and got a draw in Kildare. As Baker said b4 the Chship Antrim are'nt a one-year wonder. But will he be with Derry next year...
21 wides for Kildare :o
Just in
21 wides for Kildare and ref needing garda escort tells it's own story.
It was an awful game ruined by a referee whose ineptitude brought refereeing standards to an all time low. Both sides defended well but there was no flow to the game, replay will be interesting.
Who was the ref ? What are the complaints Heard on the radio that Kildare were shooting from crazy distance and angles
Wasnt it Deegan of Laois who should have been sidelined along with Fahy after the c**k up he made of the Handpass rule in the Armagh/Derry game.
Still it was hardly him who kicked all thise wides ::)
Would seem as though Kildare have lost their chance and probably may well have reached their height last season?
Maurice Deegan the Squirrel eater.
In fairness Antrim forced Kildare to shoot from bad angles a lot of the time with good defending, it was the wides from 15 - 30 yards out in front of the post that would break your heart, Johnny Doyle missed two sitters for him from frees. Also our half-back lines distrubution in the 1st was awful they must have kicked the ball over the line 5 times with poor balls in.
Thomas O'Connor should have scored a goal late in extra time hitting the post twice..
QuoteWould seem as though Kildare have lost their chance and probably may well have reached their height last season?
I don't think so Kildare kicked the game away but on performance they were the better side and dominated possession, I'd actually be quite confident going to Belfast if they maintain that performance level.
ok - so is a biggie with the hurlers and the footballers at Casement next Saturday? Has to be the hurlers first ?
Quote from: Hurler on the Bitch on June 26, 2010, 11:45:17 PM
ok - so is a biggie with the hurlers and the footballers at Casement next Saturday? Has to be the hurlers first ?
Surely it would be the footballers first as they said on radio tonight hurlers play at 7pm, I thought hurling fixture was fixed for 3.30pm though.
First things first, a great reception for Dermot óg and I'm sure his father would have been proud of his performance.
Very entertaining game even though the overall standard of football was poor enough at times. Kildare's defence improved hugely from Navan. Kelly was solid enough on his debut. McGrillen held his own and benefitted from Antrim withdrawing a forward out the field. He made some great surging runs and was unfortunate not to register on the scoreboard once or twice. Special mention for Andrew McLoughlin who I thought had his best game for Kildare in years.
Midfield was about 50/50. Earley seemed to pick up a knock midway through the second half and Antrim began to get more of a foothold after. I thought it was a strange decision to move Roli out to midfield when O'Connor came on for Dermot. Roli had the beating of his man inside and O'Connor might have worked better out around the middle of the field. In fairness to him he was very unlucky not to find the net late on. Flynn put in a good shift and made some great catches around the square.
Forwards blew hot and cold. Johnny, Kavanagh, Roli and Paudie all showed glimpses of what they were capable of each kicking good scores from play but we kicked a shocking amount of loose ball away - particularly in the first half. The wind carried a lot of passes wide into the town end in the first half. Flaherty mixed the good with the bad when he came on - kicked a nice point in extra time and he will definitely benefit from the experience. I thought Cribbin should have been brought on a bit earlier to use his pace to carry the ball into the wind in the second half.
Maurice Deegan was poor throughout. Some very strange calls against both sides. I can't understand why referees from neighbouring counties are appointed to inter-county matches. Surely there should have been a Connacht or Munster referee in charge last night?
Hopefully the replay will be as entertaining. Kildare are closer to knowing their best 15 and if they don't concede silly frees I see no reason why they can't win in Belfast.
Maybe I'm becoming bitter like an RTE panelist in old age but that to me was not an enteraining game, the stop start nature killed it and this was down to Maurice Deegan and his quite awful officiating. Would agree on Andrew McLoughlin, not his biggest fan as you well know but he grew in confidence and he played like in did when he first got on the panel, still think Brian Flanagan needs a spell on the sideline as he again didn't impress me last night. We really need to get Jimmers on the ball as much as ball as he really is our only outstanding creative player and O'Connor needs to start the next day, his physicality was causing Antrim all sorts of bother when the right ball went in to him.
I think the Antrim PRO thinks he is back in the Roman times and has just returned from a vist to Capula and it's gladiator school Ludus. Spartacus would be indeed be impressed with his match report.
QuoteAntrim Senior Football Players graduate with honour.
Antrim senior football was put to the ultimate test today, in terms of going into the lions den and facing up to the fury of a team inspired by the desire to pay tribute to the memory one of their former County Chieftains. Kildare players were fired up with emotion and the pain of loss was marked by their supporters, who were out and in the ground in their tens of thousands. The scene was all but a sea of lily white and their intimidating presence was awesome.
Bakers lads, proud and prepared, were honed and toned and came through this ultimate test with honours, after one of the toughest encounters they are ever likely to face. These lads have endured a programme of tough discipline and seemingly endless demands in terms of hard training; after today they will all better appreciate the value of this and also better understand that this is the price to be paid in order to withstand the might of more experienced teams in championship football.
These lads have evolved from lambs to lions over the past two years and their performance today should finally dispel any lingering or residual doubts that as a team they have the bottle. Admiration and lasting respect was their reward today. For those who made the journey down they must have been unbelievably ecstatic and proud to be true Antrim supporters today.
The memories of this epic battle and resultant draw at 15 points each will feed down through a generation; that is beyond question. Victory today was all but impossible for Antrim or so it seemed. Defeat was struck off the agenda at outset. Today was a critical milestone in terms of Antrim's further progress. The benefit of any doubt, in terms of adjudication, was never to be theirs today and they were granted no favours. In the circumstances a draw was as much as could be extracted.
The replay in Casement next week will offer Bakers lads another and well deserved opportunity to dig in and out-perform to their home crowd with a further chance to demonstrate that they have in truth now graduated in championship football. These guys have stamped respect on an Antrim top and wherever that is now seen or worn it will become a symbol pride and herald a new dawning for Antrim Gaels. The time has come to join up with the saffron Army and march proud again. If in doubt ask any one of those people or whole families of proud Antrim Gaels, who are already joined up and marching?
This was a proud day for Bakers boys. They could all so easily have capitulated in the intimidating atmosphere but instead they fought a running battle, side by side for more than 90 minutes, like true warriors and faced this inordinate task with grit and determination , doing us all proud; they are worthy of and will have earned our lasting respect for that. This was one of those Gaa matches which will be a topic of conversation at wakes and weddings near and far for another generation. Being there for the adrenalin feast really was something else; it is now 3 00 am., [got home just before 2 00am.] I am knackered. Well done lads .
Lawrence Smyth county PRO.
Good aul Lawrence Smyth would be the fiercest of supporters and that sounds like a speech from the BBC football commentator Stuart Hall!!!
Would always bring out the positives. Very rarely would find any fault, in fact never!!! so Antrim for the All Ireland
He's well renowned for those reports Dinny. I haven't bothered reading them since the first one I read from him... Still you have to admire how positive he is!
Looking forward to the rematch of this. We fielded a very different team the last day to the teams we have fielded all year. Hopefully a game together will help.
Our best midfield is Mick McCann and McGourty. We're burdened a bit by having to play McCann FF. I think we need to be starting CJ too. That's the first match I have ever seen where he hasn't scored and I wouldn't expect to be seeing that happen again too often.
In fairness no harm with a bit of positivity, beats the normal negativity that seems predominant in match reports these days.
If Antrim had been a little bit more adventurous they might have won the game becuase when they ran at Kildare we were in fierce trouble, who was the guy wearing 33 in the end in midfield, very impressive in the last 20 plus extra time imho.
Also nice touch by the Antrim team to allow the Kildare team hold centre stage for the minute applause. Also the Antriim fans were very vocal and helped generate a great atmosphere and plenty of colour, sound bunch.
A very fair report Donnelly's Hollow. As you say, the ref was poor for both sides, not just Kildare, though we did get a couple of handy ones in scoring distance. Paddy Cunningham was brilliant from placed balls, even with all the unnecessary booing. Though our fans weren't squeaky clean either, I don't see the need for Celtic or Ra songs at Gaelic matches.
I actually thought we were cleaned out at midfield though, which doesn't often happen. That said, Kevin McGourty was brilliant in there for about half an hour. Thought Kevin O'Boyle was excellent in defence. Not sure what Sean McGreevy was at in the first half!
Tommygunn I don't see any reason to start CJ yesterday. He touched the ball about 4 times. One was blocked when he should have passed, one went wide from too far out to be shooting, he missed a 45, and dropped the ball inexplicably when he could have been through on goal. A poor display.
Quote from: Dinny Breen on June 27, 2010, 10:57:09 AM
In fairness no harm with a bit of positivity, beats the normal negativity that seems predominant in match reports these days.
If Antrim had been a little bit more adventurous they might have won the game becuase when they ran at Kildare we were in fierce trouble, who was the guy wearing 33 in the end in midfield, very impressive in the last 20 plus extra time imho.
Also nice touch by the Antrim team to allow the Kildare team hold centre stage for the minute applause. Also the Antriim fans were very vocal and helped generate a great atmosphere and plenty of colour, sound bunch.
33 was Kevin McGourty. A couple of our lads changed shirts, presume there was blood.
Anyone hear what happened at halftime? Hefty fines in line I'd imagine.
Quote from: Dinny Breen on June 27, 2010, 09:28:52 AM
Maybe I'm becoming bitter like an RTE panelist in old age but that to me was not an enteraining game, the stop start nature killed it and this was down to Maurice Deegan and his quite awful officiating. Would agree on Andrew McLoughlin, not his biggest fan as you well know but he grew in confidence and he played like in did when he first got on the panel, still think Brian Flanagan needs a spell on the sideline as he again didn't impress me last night. We really need to get Jimmers on the ball as much as ball as he really is our only outstanding creative player and O'Connor needs to start the next day, his physicality was causing Antrim all sorts of bother when the right ball went in to him.
I think the Antrim PRO thinks he is back in the Roman times and has just returned from a vist to Capula and it's gladiator school Ludus. Spartacus would be indeed be impressed with his match report.
You're a hard man to please DB! The football was poor enough but twas a good night's entertainment for a tenner. I'm sure it was better than the world cup circus that the national broadcaster seems obsessed with.
Can't see too many changes for the replay. Chalky in for Hugh Lynch would be the only obvious one unless there's been injuries.
That report from the Antrim PRO is gas!
Quote from: SambaSaffron on June 27, 2010, 11:00:13 AM
Anyone hear what happened at halftime? Hefty fines in line I'd imagine.
It's been rumoured that the guards were called in to one of the dressing rooms for some reason and were going to prevent one player from playing in the second half. God knows why. Hopefully all will be revealed in due course.
Never meant to imply the ref was poor just for Kildare he was just poor period. The booing I think came from frustration, Cunningham took an age and Antrim did seem to be trying to slow the tempo down, it was just something else Deegan failed to manage. Singing didn't bother me just added to the atmosphere, thought it was McGourty alright just the number confused me.
Kildare have an annoying habit of been late out at half-time, McGeeney insists on using the full 15 mins (any one else think that 15 mins is a ridiculous amount time for a ht break after only 35 min football), so I'd imagine Antrim didn't want to be on the pitch waiting for Kildare to come out, so a stand-off ensued and with a clown like Deegan in charge no surprise this happened. Fines for both teams no doubt.
QuoteIt's been rumoured that the guards were called in to one of the dressing rooms for some reason and were going to prevent one player from playing in the second half. God knows why. Hopefully all will be revealed in due course.
Didn't hear that the wifes bro-in-law was stewarting yest, will give him a shout to see what happened.
Quote from: Dinny Breen on June 27, 2010, 11:16:02 AM
QuoteIt's been rumoured that the guards were called in to one of the dressing rooms for some reason and were going to prevent one player from playing in the second half. God knows why. Hopefully all will be revealed in due course.
Didn't hear that the wifes bro-in-law was stewarting yest, will give him a shout to see what happened.
Overheard someone coming out by the town end terrace talking about it after the match. It sounds very strange.
Seemingly there was an incident but don't think the guards were involved, no dount all be revealed in due course, incidental to the game.
Anyway I'm not that hard to please just frustrated as a like my football to be played with a fluidity and a high temp and just think with a different ref we could have got that last night.
McGeeney did well last night I thought Hugh Lynch's role was to drop deep and play as a sweeper but he kept going forward and kicked in some wasteful ball so no surprise to see the early change and Chalkie was better suited to that role and was more disciplined than Hugh but I thought it was a good tactical move from McGeeny to introduce it for this game. Peter Kelly did very well for his debut, looked very composed on the ball.
Quote from: SambaSaffron on June 27, 2010, 11:00:13 AM
Quote from: Dinny Breen on June 27, 2010, 10:57:09 AM
In fairness no harm with a bit of positivity, beats the normal negativity that seems predominant in match reports these days.
If Antrim had been a little bit more adventurous they might have won the game becuase when they ran at Kildare we were in fierce trouble, who was the guy wearing 33 in the end in midfield, very impressive in the last 20 plus extra time imho.
Also nice touch by the Antrim team to allow the Kildare team hold centre stage for the minute applause. Also the Antriim fans were very vocal and helped generate a great atmosphere and plenty of colour, sound bunch.
33 was Kevin McGourty. A couple of our lads changed shirts, presume there was blood.
Anyone hear what happened at halftime? Hefty fines in line I'd imagine.
Kevin McGourty is some footballer. He was the main reason why Antrim remained in the championship last night with a superb second half display when the chips where down. The best player in Antrim IMHO.
Whilst theres no doubt the atmosphere was great and the game provided a bit of excitement, the standard of football was very poor. I won't comment on Kildare as I haven't seen them play at first hand enough, but Antrim have much to improve on for next weekend's replay. Someone said midfield was 50/50 - nowhere close to that - Antrim worringly were cleaned out in midfield and couldn't manage to pick up the break ball for love nor money - i can only remember 2 times in the first half we won possession from a (long) kickout.
As for the short kickouts - heart in mouth everytime the ball was kicked - immediately putting the man under pressure so close to goals and one in particular should have been punished by Kildare to the back of the net but for bad shooting / indecision. Obviously this was the plan to counter a bigger more physical Kildare midfield, as they were even at it in the second half at times playing with the breeze. There were times Gallagher came running for short kickouts and the ball was kicked long and greatfully received by a Kildare player.
Suspicions earlier in the week Mick McCann was carrying an injury and on last nights performance that may be true - wasnt his usual self at all.
Justy Crozier playing full back didnt really work - whether he was tasked with man marking Kavanagh? (12) was the reason i'm not sure but he was caught in possession and beaten to the ball more than usual.
Cunningham - excellent from placed balls - scored from play from a quick free but was stationary for the rest of the game - never really came looking for the ball and as a result the antrim backs / midfield had little to aim for and had to try to run it themselves.
I still enjoyed the game - but definitely not for the standard of play on show. Hoping for much better in the wide open spaces of Casement on Saturday.
Finally all credit to whoever decided on the minutes applause rather than the minutes silence - a great tribute to a great man, and i would have worried that during a minutes silence, some of the travelling support who were a little worse for wear may have spoiled the occasion.
Our PRO is mental --his reports are all the same but fair play to him he's positive when others wouldnt be. We've had a negative attitude towards our county team for too long -- going to places like Kildare and not losing is new to us, it's great.
Thought the game wasnt good, it had no flow. I think we kicked 3 shots from play in the first half, scoring all of them, the rest of shots were from frees. This wont do--we need to kick the ball into the full forward line but we also need boys to show.
Brady was getting on the ball too far out the field, PC barely touched the ball and CJ wasnt at the races.
McGourty wasnt really in it until he caughgt his first clean catch on 57 mins and was great thereafter but needs to maintain that level. He also needs to wise up, he was on a yellow and had to be held back by Antrim players from going mad at the ref --he pushed his own players out of the way who were trying to hold him back --its embarrasing. People have paid money to go down and support the team, its not fair on them if a player selfishly loses the head and gets sent off, ending the year for the county. He played well tho and without him at the end we'd be out --needs to lift it earlier next wk.
Scullion's work rate is first class, you couldnt not have him on the team. His kicking though is still dodgy and went to a green jersey too often but he's a powerhouse and they are all too rare in our county so he'd always be in my team.
A good game for me is when teams win ball in the middle, drive it into the full forwards, who either lay it off to the runner or turn and kick it over. We never did that once last night, our play was laboured. We are dangerous though when running at pace, Tomas, Loughrey and Niblock need to do this more as they'll only be stopped by fouls.
Good crowd down from Antrim, good atmosphere in the tight, packed Newbridge stadium. Need to get the numbers out in Casement next wk as it can seem dead there when its half empty.
We need to get ahead, play without fear and enjoy our football. We can do it but need to compete at midfield.
Quote from: Donnellys Hollow on June 27, 2010, 11:20:02 AM
Quote from: Dinny Breen on June 27, 2010, 11:16:02 AM
QuoteIt's been rumoured that the guards were called in to one of the dressing rooms for some reason and were going to prevent one player from playing in the second half. God knows why. Hopefully all will be revealed in due course.
Didn't hear that the wifes bro-in-law was stewarting yest, will give him a shout to see what happened.
Overheard someone coming out by the town end terrace talking about it after the match. It sounds very strange.
It'll be the PSNI next week sorting out any hassles.
Quote from: hardstation on June 27, 2010, 10:56:13 PM
Was in Casement today and heard loads of people complaining about the Kildare support last night. Booing when Paddy Cunningham was hitting frees etc.
They will be warmly welcomed to west Belfast.
Maybe if skippy didn't take an age the kids wouldn't have booed, must have taken him 60 secs per free kick and there was a lot of them..
Anyone have any idea why Kildare were wearing their green jerseys? Did someone think that white and saffron would clash in the late evening light?
Well your doing a lot of commenting for one not at the game. Anyway keep it to football lad, no need for this rubbish. Every county has clowns etc etc
Dinny, you coming up to Beal Feirste? We should go for a pint with Hardstation.
Whaddyafink?
Quote from: CompulsoryTillager on June 27, 2010, 11:16:01 PM
Anyone have any idea why Kildare were wearing their green jerseys? Did someone think that white and saffron would clash in the late evening light?
Mark of respect to Dermot snr I would suspect.
This craic about the booing is nonsense. There was booing for Cunningham's frees but there was very audible booing for JD's frees too. There was a handful of boozed up Antrim supporters in the middle of the terrace who spent the whole game swigging litre bottles of Bulmers and abusing both Kildare and Antrim players - I won't mention what one of them shouted towards Dermot at one stage but you can only imagine.
In fairness to the Antrim crowd it was only a small handful of individuals and the rest of their supporters were sound out and were apologetic for the behaviour of a few bad eggs. Every county has their clowns is right!
Will HS go to the game though, although that won't stop him talking about it.
Not sure of my travel plans will either be
a. going with the wife, so that will be shopping, game and then home or preferred choice
b. up with some mates and pints could be an option although it looks like Kildare fans aren't welcome ;)
Quote from: Donnellys Hollow on June 27, 2010, 11:23:27 PM
Quote from: CompulsoryTillager on June 27, 2010, 11:16:01 PM
Anyone have any idea why Kildare were wearing their green jerseys? Did someone think that white and saffron would clash in the late evening light?
Mark of respect to Dermot snr I would suspect.
That's a good suggestion actually, hadn't thought of that
Quote from: Dinny Breen on June 27, 2010, 11:24:53 PM
although it looks like Kildare fans aren't welcome ;)
Erra sh1te anyway. I'll have to unhitch the Ifor Williams from the 4x4 and put the stetson back in the wardrobe so
Quote from: Donnellys Hollow on June 27, 2010, 11:23:27 PM
Quote from: CompulsoryTillager on June 27, 2010, 11:16:01 PM
Anyone have any idea why Kildare were wearing their green jerseys? Did someone think that white and saffron would clash in the late evening light?
Mark of respect to Dermot snr I would suspect.
This craic about the booing is nonsense. There was booing for Cunningham's frees but there was very audible booing for JD's frees too. There was a handful of boozed up Antrim supporters in the middle of the terrace who spent the whole game swigging litre bottles of Bulmers and abusing both Kildare and Antrim players - I won't mention what one of them shouted towards Dermot at one stage but you can only imagine.
In fairness to the Antrim crowd it was only a small handful of individuals and the rest of their supporters were sound out and were apologetic for the behaviour of a few bad eggs. Every county has their clowns is right!
A bunch of clowns half of whom wouldnt even know the rules of the game--happier watchin foreign players from Japan playing soccer for a team in Scotland.
Wouldnt take any notice of them, they'll prob not be at casement as they wont be able to get a bus to it
QuoteGood question. The 28 minute half time is another question.
In other news, McGeeney buys into a lot of bullshit.
QuoteI can't comment, I wasn't there but I spoke to Antrim men who have being following the county for years and told me that they have never seen anything like it. Everyone I spoke to commented on the Kildare fans. Not nice people by the sounds of things.
QuoteWas in Casement today and heard loads of people complaining about the Kildare support last night. Booing when Paddy Cunningham was hitting frees etc.
They will be warmly welcomed to west Belfast.
Just to amuse you but these are all comments based around the Kildare v Antrim game, now it might be a case of sematics but the more you talk about it the more you comment. Now the fact that they are prety negative and derogatory perhaps says more about you than anything I could so I shall leave it that but will gladly talk football for the rest of the week.
And on the Kildare fans they were out in numbers and any i was talkin to were good craic and sound.
They did boo PC but he does take ages hittin the frees. JD was booed hitting free for Kildare too by the soccer crowd. Shouldnt be at it
Quote from: Gold on June 27, 2010, 11:46:10 PM
Quote from: Donnellys Hollow on June 27, 2010, 11:23:27 PM
Quote from: CompulsoryTillager on June 27, 2010, 11:16:01 PM
Anyone have any idea why Kildare were wearing their green jerseys? Did someone think that white and saffron would clash in the late evening light?
Mark of respect to Dermot snr I would suspect.
This craic about the booing is nonsense. There was booing for Cunningham's frees but there was very audible booing for JD's frees too. There was a handful of boozed up Antrim supporters in the middle of the terrace who spent the whole game swigging litre bottles of Bulmers and abusing both Kildare and Antrim players - I won't mention what one of them shouted towards Dermot at one stage but you can only imagine.
In fairness to the Antrim crowd it was only a small handful of individuals and the rest of their supporters were sound out and were apologetic for the behaviour of a few bad eggs. Every county has their clowns is right!
A bunch of clowns half of whom wouldnt even know the rules of the game--happier watchin foreign players from Japan playing soccer for a team in Scotland.
Wouldnt take any notice of them, they'll prob not be at casement as they wont be able to get a bus to it
I was wondering who that Nacho Novo they were chanting about was?!
They also kept calling
Martin King Maurice Deegan a "Free State b*stard". The Kildare crowd on the other hand knew him as a "Laois b*llocks"!
Hardstation- would u ever fook up and stop talking crap. Were you even at the game?
Any word on a time for the replay yet?
The Kildare fans were great and as for booing Cunningham that is nonsense,maybe a few did, but I can say for definite that some of the young Antrim fans were a disgrace,it was obvious they only travelled for the drink.
Quote from: Donnellys Hollow on June 28, 2010, 10:28:08 AM
Any word on a time for the replay yet?
Will be confirmed tomorrow morning according to Co Board's website
According to our co secretary on KFM just a few minutes ago the details will come through from HQ this afternoon.
Could be a possible clash if our minors beat Dublin in the second replay tomorrow night. Winners will play Longford in Longford at 7 on Saturday night.
Jees, a lot of rubbish about the Kildare supporters. Yes the booing was uncalled for and silly, but some of our supporters were a disgrace. As someone says, you get idiots everywhere.
Lokking forward to Saturday night, winner has a decent chance of going on a run with Leitrim awaiting.
Saturday July 3rd
Antrim v Carlow
Casement Park 5-00pm
Antrim v Kildare
Casement Park 7-00pm
Lads, the booing was tame enough and came from both sides. Ask Paddy Cunningham or John Doyle were they bothered by it and I'll gaurantee you they'll say no. Some would say it lends to a better atmosphere even. PC's placekicking certainly wasnt affected! As for the Nacho Novo brigade, no one gave a toss. The replay will be atight affair and Im sure Antrim will start with no. 33 this time, he had a huge impact when he came on. We will need Johnny Doyle to have a good day if we're going to make it.
Number 33 did start, he changed his shirt. As for the booing, no it probably didn't affect them, its still not sporting though and doesn't add atmosphere. Anyway, enough about it.
Heard a whisper that a certain Antrim substitute is US-bound. No prizes for guessing who.
Was working Saturday so didn't make the game. What is Bradley on about with the Kildare fans? Not stirring here or anything just wondering what was going on, beacuse I heard off someone that the Antrim boys were doing a bit of messing at the game.
Again just want to know what did, or what is meant to have, happened.
Maybe Bradley should take a look closer to home at the behaviour of a small minority of Antrim "fans" in Newbridge on Saturday night. Plenty of comments on the Antrim GAA site referring to them: http://www.antrimgaa.net/guestbook/ (http://www.antrimgaa.net/guestbook/)
There was booing from a few eejits for Paddy Cunningham's frees (as there was for JD's) but that kind of craic goes on in nearly every county nowadays sadly. I certainly didn't hear any noticable abuse towards individual Antrim players (apart the drunken mob on the terrace abusing their own!). Most Kildare supporters were directing their ire towards Maurice Deegan.
I've lost a lot of respect for Bradley over these insulting comments. This kind of petty shit-stirring is what you'd expect from soccer managers in England, not respected inter-county GAA managers.
Bradley must have been at a different game to the one I was at.
Bradley makes strange comments after every game - wouldn't read into it. After the tyrone game it was like he was at a different match.
Every team has a few supporters they'e not proud of. There are quite a few in the antrim brigade.
Well I wont be at this feast of hurling and football. Gotta go to a birthday party in Lurgan :(
look if someones is booing then so what, players are booed and shouted at in club games all the time. adds to the spice of the game. stop reading into it. people are paying 20 quid in and the fair down, you'd maybe end up spending 100 quid!!! its a bitta craic.
i'm looking forward to the match this Saturday. i'll be there with my Vuvuzela cheering/booing on the boys in Saffron ;)
Quote from: Orior on June 30, 2010, 09:09:32 PM
Well I wont be at this feast of hurling and football. Gotta go to a birthday party in Lurgan :(
Have a wedding to attend. :-[
Can't see too many changes to the Kildare team for Saturday night. Alan Smith is going to "be doing well to make the game" according to Carew. It's a pity he picked up the injury when he did because it would afford us the opportunity to move Leper back - cleaned up the breaks when switched back there in Newbridge.
I suppose Chalky will come in for Hugh Lynch but it's hard to see any other possible change. If McGeeney does decide to switch Leper to the half-back line (Flanagan being the most vulnerable of that trio IMO), either Eoghan O'Flaherty or Tomás Connor could come into the full-forward line. I would expect both to be held in reserve again though.
some craic Baker complaining about Kildare supporters. Walking into Clones at Ulster final there were hoods in Atrim colours giving the one finger to me and my two little boys age 5 and 7 from the backs of buses. The last bus they were on was probably to see Cliftonville at Windsor Park. having said that vast majority of Antrim fans were 100 per cent.
Is David Whyte still suspended?
Antrim unchanged, Magill and Sean Kelly on the bench.
Antrim unchanged for Saturday:
1. S McGreevy (St. Paul's)
2. A Healy (St Gall's)
3. C Brady (St Gall's)
4. J Crozier (Cargin)
5. J Loughrey (St Brigid's)
6. T Scullion (Cargin)
7. K O'Boyle (Cargin)
8. B Herron (Lamh Dhearg)
9. A Gallagher (St Gall's)
10. K McGourty (St Gall's)
11. K Niblock (St Gall's)
12. T McCann (Cargin)
13. P Cunningham (Lamh Dhearg)
14. M McCann (Cargin)
15. K Brady (Moneyglass)
Sean Kelly and Michael Magill on the bench, CJ McGourty on the plane.
According to the BBC website Liam Bradley has gone for a new approach, starting with 16 players. Surprised no-one has thought of it before.
Antrim: S McGreevy; A Healy, C Brady, J Crozier; J Loughrey, T Scullion, K O'Boyle, J Loughrey; B Herron, A Gallagher; Kevin McGourty, K Niblock, T McCann; P Cunningham, M McCann, K Brady
http://news.bbc.co.uk/sport1/hi/northern_ireland/gaelic_games/8777494.stm
Quote from: rashCharacter on July 02, 2010, 11:20:18 AM
According to the BBC website Liam Bradley has gone for a new approach, starting with 16 players. Surprised no-one has thought of it before.
Antrim: S McGreevy; A Healy, C Brady, J Crozier; J Loughrey, T Scullion, K O'Boyle, J Loughrey; B Herron, A Gallagher; Kevin McGourty, K Niblock, T McCann; P Cunningham, M McCann, K Brady
http://news.bbc.co.uk/sport1/hi/northern_ireland/gaelic_games/8777494.stm
Yes apparently James Loughrey will be the spare man ;)
Well, Aidan O'Rourke mentions our cuteness but strangely doesn't mention the fact we'll be starting with 16.
Former Armagh All-Ireland winner and Kildare assistant manager Aidan O'Rourke believes Antrim are better at winning frees and stopping play that his charges.
The 2002 Sam Maguire winner is in his first year beside Kieran McGeeney in the Lilywhites camp and is well aware of the small advantages that teams work hard to get during a game.
Drawing in frees in scoring areas, breaking down the opposition's momentum and stealing a few yards on free kicks are a few tactics that O'Rourke feels Antrim are much more astute at compared to the Leinster men.
"They are good at the small things in the game that get you big yards. They know the areas on the field were Paddy Cunningham is going to kick the frees over the bar. They work hard to get into those areas and they know how to draw frees," O'Rourke explained in the Irish News.
"Paddy is probably the best free-taker in the country. Forty-yard frees soon become 32-yard frees with his free kick routine. All those wee things add up.
"Defensively, the Antrim lads are a bit cuter than our lads. Maybe our lads are a bit too straight whereas Antrim know where t get play stopped, often before the opposition get in the scoring zone.
"I've great admiration for Antrim. I know a lot of their players through their college days. They are great athletes and their game plan is very exact.
"I think the Kildare lads can learn a lot from Antrim."
Bit of mind games there from O'Rourke, getting in to the refs head already. Not sure what Baker was at with his comments on the Kildare fans, it'll only fire up their team and was a load of shite anyway.
Quote from: LilySavage on July 02, 2010, 09:19:53 AM
Is David Whyte still suspended?
Think so. His suspension is up at midnight on Saturday.
Same starting XV again according to KFM. Find it hard to believe that Chalky won't start ahead of Hughie Lynch.
Interesting battle between the 2 managers Baker is quite safe I'd say ...
Though can't see Cassidy staying for another year so Baker will be under pressure to come back to Derry, but if Kildare lose will McGeeney resign?
Maybe a bit late but where would be the best place to park be, to facilitate a quick exit after the game?
Quote from: The Konica on July 02, 2010, 04:43:08 PM
Interesting battle between the 2 managers Baker is quite safe I'd say ...
Though can't see Cassidy staying for another year so Baker will be under pressure to come back to Derry, but if Kildare lose will McGeeney resign?
There'll be no pressure on Baker to go back to Derry, they don't want him. He'd love to have the job.
Yeah I'd say McGeeney will go if Antrim win.
Quote from: Dinny Breen on July 03, 2010, 02:07:50 PM
Maybe a bit late but where would be the best place to park be, to facilitate a quick exit after the game?
I usually park in the asda supermarket down the road from casement !
also good for a few cheap shopping bargains (booze) to bring home with you !
(poor wine selection - mostly beer)
All-Ireland Senior Football Championship Qualifier – round 1 replay
Antrim 0-01 0-00 Kildare, Casement Park, 7.03pm
http://www.sportsnewsireland.com/2010/07/03/gaa-saturday-live-scores-results-3rd-july-2010/
Any link for this game lads?
First point for Antrim after 5 minutes. Paddy Cunningham from play. Looking sharp so far.
Kildare hitting a burst now with three points playing a lot better now galway up be one against sligo
Kildare leading by 3 points to 2 14 minutes gone
Quote from: Midlands Man on July 03, 2010, 07:06:56 PM
Any link for this game lads?
Since it doesn't appear to be televised anywhere I think not. Radio Ulster MW might be best bet, but not online. Can't see any online Kildare stations, unless someone can suggest one?
Quote from: sandwiches_in_the_boot on July 03, 2010, 07:19:51 PM
Quote from: Midlands Man on July 03, 2010, 07:06:56 PM
Any link for this game lads?
Since it doesn't appear to be televised anywhere I think not. Radio Ulster MW might be best bet, but not online. Can't see any online Kildare stations, unless someone can suggest one?
If you go to bbc n ireland web site there is a link with live commentry on the sports section. Kildare goal 1-3 to 0-3
http://news.bbc.co.uk/sport1/hi/northern_ireland/8612039.stm
Paddy Cunningham point leaves it Antrim 0-5 1-4 Kildare.
Half time.
Antrim 0-06 v 1-04 Kildare. Second half just got under way at Casement. Paddy Cunningham free just after the throw in.
Antrim 0-06 v 1-05 Kildare
Dermot Early playing at full forward scores the best score of the match yet (so I hear) to hit back for Kildare.
Antrim 0-06 v 1-09 Kildare
Game drifting away from Antrim. 6 in it now.
Antrim 0-6 Kildare 1-11
:(
Antrim 0-9 Kildare 1-13
Johnny Doyle, MOTM, destroying Antrim. Antrim 0-09 v 1-14 Kildare.
Nearly full time, but already over for Antrim.
fight, fight, fight
FT Antrim 0-09 Kildare 1-15
Seems to have been a bit of handbags at the end
Quote from: gerry on July 03, 2010, 08:34:49 PM
fight, fight, fight
Kevin McGourtey by the sounds of it, refusing to shake hands kicking off the handbags. Subs throwing fists. Thought Antrim already took enough of a hammering, clearly in the mood for more.
Back to kneading sodas in Ormo for Bradley. McGeeney fends off the P45 for another while.
antrim depending to much on paddy with only 3 scorers for antrim
Brutal performane by Antrim - totally clueless. No one making any runs into space, no one willing to take a shot. Seemed like they tried to run every ball right in to win frees - and managed to get some handy enough ones. Lost count of the number of Antrim scores that were Cunningham frees - how many did they get from play?
To be fair, Kildare were great and their defence mopped up a hell of a lot. Unlike Monaghan last week, they kept their concentration right to the end - even with a very comfortable lead, they didn't allow Antrim anything.
With Leitrim in the next round, Kildare's season is right back on track. Disappointing for Antrim not to build on last year's run.
Quote from: Maguire01 on July 03, 2010, 09:19:04 PM
Brutal performane by Antrim - totally clueless. No one making any runs into space, no one willing to take a shot. Seemed like they tried to run every ball right in to win frees - and managed to get some handy enough ones. Lost count of the number of Antrim scores that were Cunningham frees - how many did they get from play?
To be fair, Kildare were great and their defence mopped up a hell of a lot. Unlike Monaghan last week, they kept their concentration right to the end - even with a very comfortable lead, they didn't allow Antrim anything.
With Leitrim in the next round, Kildare's season is right back on track. Disappointing for Antrim not to build on last year's run.
Brutal is correct. The amount of turnover ball Antrim lost was criminal - didn't learn their lesson from Tyrone match. Also they over-elaborated and failed to do what Kildare did - shoot on sight. The Cunningham situation sums up the fact that we have few scoring forwards. Michael Magill got four touches of the ball and dropped it each time. Need a bit of a think before next year as we are one dimensional and perhaps lacked a bit of balls out there tonight.
We need a HF line and 3 not about 5 half backs!!
Kildare weren't great in my book. Antrim played totally cluelessly though and played right into Kildare's hands time after time.
Both teams played with men in front of the FB line which made the game not much of a spectacle. Dermot Early, who looked to be operating on one leg, into FF helped Kildare.
spot on with the half-backs, its madness just because its hard to make a choice between lughrey, kelly and scullion doesnt mean that a decision should nt be made! maybe that choice shouldnt have been that hard with kelly being a bit out of form, although you need to show bit of loyalty. think if mc gourty and mick mc cann were playing in soirt of winghalf forward positions lets them drop into midfield and oush up and get scores, and i think, what happened to gerard ob boyle, know he was strrugling with form but i reckon gerard o boyle with magill and cunnigham would give us option of going long with the ball
Went to the game this evening as an interested neutral and was really disappointed with Antrim's spirit. If only they'd the same fight in them as the hurlers.
Over elaborate play in front of the posts and failure to keep possession cost them dearly. Kevin McGourty was heavily shackled throughout the game, its obvious that Kildare had identified him as the danger man. He was really losing his cool with his team mates on several occasions and I can't say I blame him.
Lots of very disenchanted Antrim fans afterwards but I have to say the craic and banter in McDonald's on the Falls Rd before the match was top class.
QuoteSeemed like they tried to run every ball right in to win frees -
it worked last week with paddy getting 10 from his 11 points coming from frees. stop antrim getting frees and you stop antrim
or foul them 60 yards out and play so many men in defense they can't get the ball in...
Quote. Need a bit of a think before next year as we are one dimensional and perhaps lacked a bit of balls out there tonight.
maybe the hurlers could show them some
(http://clubdir.gaa.ie/westmeath/castledaly/images/adams.jpg)
First of all hands up, I wasn't happy with McGeeney after the Louth game but tactically I thought we were very good tonight and the train is back on trackish. The main difference this week from last week was that we were far more clinical in the 2nd half and a greatly reduced our foul count. I thought pushing Dermot in at full forward worked a treat and it created a lot of space for the forwards in particular Johnny Doyle.
Donnollys Hollow will be delighted with Leper's performance, maybe Geezer reads this forum as he was outstanding tonight and my man of the match. Also Kelly and McGrillan were excellent and Sweeney has really found his form.
Kildare though were poor for the 1st 20 mins but Antrim struggled throughout and just kept running into dead ends looking for frees, it worked last week but with a better referee this week it was failing and they didn't seem to half a Plan B.
Plenty to work on though which is good. Need Jimmers to find some form, Johnny Doyle to work on his free taking (awful tonught) and a fit Alan Smith back. Hopefully Louth was just a calculated gamble that back-fired and maybe a last 8 spot is a realistic target.
Kildare won tonight because they got their scores much easier. Antrims forwards where not at it, thought the two McCanns offered nothing while Magill was no better when introduced. It was a joke Flynn was not carded for constantly nagging at Kevin McGourty, he was clearly sent out to annoy him and to disrupt his game by McGeeny. Negativity will never leave the Armagh man.
McGourty tried his best and gave his all as did Herron in the middle but Antrims attack where simply not at the races. Kevin OBoyle and Kelly put some good moves together coming out off defence.
Oh and Mr Baker Man how are those apples?
Quote from: Dinny Breen on July 03, 2010, 11:50:14 PM
First of all hands up, I wasn't happy with McGeeney after the Louth game but tactically I thought we were very good tonight and the train is back on trackish.
I don't think you would have needed to be a tactical genius to outsmart Antrim tonight. I reckon I could have given it a go.
Maybe but if you compared the Louth gane to tonights you'd swear it was a different manager on both occasions. The benchmark wasn't very high.
MDG Kevin Brady was very good. Won good ball and used it well. McCann's very poor though as you say. Magill not on long enough.
Have to say I wasn't that impressed with Kildare. McGeeney has firmly put his stamp on them. They would be quite a cynical team and had a few boys who should have been punished a lot more for persistent fouling which would have put the defense more on the backfoot. Wouldn't have made a difference in the grand scheme of things - far too good for antrim. Kildare's tactics weren't significantly different from Antrim's either except their half forwards stayed in half forward.
Alan Smith should make a big difference for Kildare I'd say. Improvement required to progress though. Particularly in forward department.
Quote from: imtommygunn on July 04, 2010, 12:27:28 AM
MDG Kevin Brady was very good. Won good ball and used it well.
Are you serious? I thought he was pretty poor.
Yet another game where Paddy Cunningham hid from the ball until the ref's whistle blew for an Antrim free. The lad showed no interest in looking for the ball when the attacking player was looking for someone to offload to - top class free taker - offers little else - harsh words but every bit justified after watching him play those last two games.
Still, worth carrying for frees. There were few other options for scores.
Dissapointing. Too few balls kicked in as noone was showing. Had a chance just after half time but stopped dead and got blown away.
Men continuously passed the ball off instead of shooting, led to the obvious turnover and a score at the other end.
John Doyle showed constantly, scored a class goal fetching a goal above his head, dummying inside Brady and burrying it. Some of his showing and scores from play with instant shots were a joy to watch, pity we had noone similar at the other end.
Kevin Brady showed well and was in front for every ball, McGourty worked his balls off getting though mountains of good work, Niblock worked hard, Kel did well fielding about 4 high balls (he needs to do this more as he has the spring and timing despite his size) and Locky was dangerous when running at Kildare with pace although he didnt do it often enough.
Sin e
Kevin Brady won almost every ball played near him and used it reasonably well. Best forward we had. He lacks a yard of pace mind but he used it well.
Our forwards were terrible in general. I wouldn't agree Niblock looked threatening - ran up too many blind alleys.
Realistically we don't have a FF and we didn't have any half forwards. You can't be winning big games with that.
Stilll we have to remain positive. Hopefully division 2 will bring us on. CJ a big loss really.
Not sure how much to read into this match because Antrim were shocking. I thought at half time that we might have blew it because we probably should have been much further ahead but it was great to see Kildare kicking on again in the second half. We all gave McGeeney plenty of criticism after Navan but in fairness to him he has clearly learned a lot in the interim - full-back line in particular is much improved. I still think there's improvement in this Kildare team and nobody will fancy coming to Newbridge in the back door.
McCormack - Didn't have a lot to do. Kickouts are improving.
Kelly - Looks a very accomplished lad. Tough, physical and quick. Made a great surge forward to set up a point in the second half.
McGrillen - Back to the form of last year. Out in front of his man and very composed on the ball. Tougher tests ahead I suspect though.
MacLochlainn - Bit unfortunate to be booked I thought and was always going to be subbed soon after. Deserves to retain his place though.
M Flaherty - Picked up a lot of breaks and got himself on the scoreboard. A good night's work.
Bolton - Another who looked back to somewhere near his best. Great diagonal ball for the goal and threatened every time he drove forward.
Flanagan - Made some good tackles and interceptions to repel Antrim attacks. Distribution has improved.
Flynn - The most improved Kildare player by a country mile. He's developing into a real quality midfielder. Discipline has improved no end.
Roli - Won a lot of dirty ball when he moved out around midfield and caused the Antrim defence plenty of problems. Should have goaled in the second half.
Kavanagh - Not firing on all cylinders yet. Worked hard though and won a lot of ball including a super catch in the second half.
O'Neill - Another good nights work. Well able to horse into opponents around the middle of the field and chip in on the scoreboard.
E Flaherty - Looks a real good prospect. Showed his inexperience on occasions but has plenty of reasons to be proud of his performance.
Doyle - I take my hat off to the guy. Missed frees he'd normally kick in his sleep but never let his head drop. Worked his backside off as well. Top class.
Earley - Clearly not 100% (hence the move to full-forward) but still caused Antrim plenty of problems. Great reception for him from both sets of fans when he was taken off late on.
Leper - The free role he has been given suits him down to a tee (compensates somewhat for Conway's absence). Kicked two great points early in the second half.
Subs - For a lad that has shipped a lot of criticism I thought David Whyte was excellent when he came on. Won a lot of ball and used it well. Cribbin kicked a good score and threatened every time he ran at his man. Great to see Mick Foley getting a run too. He could have a role to play if Kildare are to go on a bit of a run this summer.
The difference between where Antrim are and where they need to be was summed up for me in the first 5 minutes of the game. They had two great goalscoring chances with the score a 0 -0 and didn't have the confidence to even test the keeper with either. any top team would have scored at least one and most likely both of these chances. Outside of that they were well beaten at midfield, with Kildare's 14 outstanding in the second half, and poor up front with only Brady showing for the ball. The lad that came on at full forward would need to push away from the table a wee bit, I am more mobile. If he's the best that was on the bench then god help Antrim.
Quote from: passedit on July 04, 2010, 12:46:50 PM
The difference between where Antrim are and where they need to be was summed up for me in the first 5 minutes of the game. They had two great goalscoring chances with the score a 0 -0 and didn't have the confidence to even test the keeper with either. any top team would have scored at least one and most likely both of these chances. Outside of that they were well beaten at midfield, with Kildare's 14 outstanding in the second half, and poor up front with only Brady showing for the ball. The lad that came on at full forward would need to push away from the table a wee bit, I am more mobile. If he's the best that was on the bench then god help Antrim.
Magil is better than that, yes he did drop a lot of ball but he hasn't been with the panel for a while. Antrim may lose Baker now so who would be the man to come in and push on? will it be an Antrim man or will we go outside again?
Quote from: Maguire01 on July 04, 2010, 12:44:17 AM
Quote from: imtommygunn on July 04, 2010, 12:27:28 AM
MDG Kevin Brady was very good. Won good ball and used it well.
Are you serious? I thought he was pretty poor.
He was our only forward showing for the ball and won almost every ball in to him, laying it off to the running man every time. Unfortunately the running man tended to over-elaborate.
Magill didn't look fit, he obviously won't have been training at the level the rest have been for the past 6 weeks or so and it showed as he is normally a very good player. 2 McCanns look short of confidence at the minute. O'Boyle played rightly again. McGreevy's kicks have been baffling the last few games, not sure if its his fault or management.
Quote from: Milltown Row2 on July 04, 2010, 12:53:02 PM
Quote from: passedit on July 04, 2010, 12:46:50 PM
The difference between where Antrim are and where they need to be was summed up for me in the first 5 minutes of the game. They had two great goalscoring chances with the score a 0 -0 and didn't have the confidence to even test the keeper with either. any top team would have scored at least one and most likely both of these chances. Outside of that they were well beaten at midfield, with Kildare's 14 outstanding in the second half, and poor up front with only Brady showing for the ball. The lad that came on at full forward would need to push away from the table a wee bit, I am more mobile. If he's the best that was on the bench then god help Antrim.
Magil is better than that, yes he did drop a lot of ball but he hasn't been with the panel for a while. Antrim may lose Baker now so who would be the man to come in and push on? will it be an Antrim man or will we go outside again?
Yes possibly, however not to Derry from what I've heard.
While he might like it at some stage I'm told he has no interest in it at the minute at all.
(Anyway, not sure they've the talent at the minute either)
Realistically lads, what has baker achieved? have antrim beaten anyone of note?
Have kildare beaten anyone of note in championship football?
While his tactics weren't inspirational yesterday Baker has still brought a lot to antrim football.
Before last year we had won 2 ulster championship matches since 1982. Baker doubled that tally in one year.
He has brought what any manager who came in couldn't buy - belief. Before last year I'm not sure I had ever seen an antrim football team with belief in my life.
Quote from: aontroim on July 04, 2010, 12:50:42 AM
Yet another game where Paddy Cunningham hid from the ball until the ref's whistle blew for an Antrim free. The lad showed no interest in looking for the ball when the attacking player was looking for someone to offload to - top class free taker - offers little else - harsh words but every bit justified after watching him play those last two games.
Harsh but true. He came out and grabbed one ball with authority about 40m out in the first half but got so bottled up that he kicked it blindly into corner space and gave it away. Apart from that it looked like he was literally hiding behind his man, particularly in the second half. Space in front and to the side but he just didn't move ???
Do you not mean hiding behind his 2 men?
At one stage Cunningham did a dummy run to lose his man and lost him only for his other marker to cover his run so he tried the other direction and his first marker had that run covered!
There were basically 2 men on him. To be seen he had to lose 2. He managed on occassion but few could do it.
Quote from: imtommygunn on July 04, 2010, 07:51:11 PM
Do you not mean hiding behind his 2 men?
At one stage Cunningham did a dummy run to lose his man and lost him only for his other marker to cover his run so he tried the other direction and his first marker had that run covered!
There were basically 2 men on him. To be seen he had to lose 2. He managed on occassion but few could do it.
I disagree. I watched him closely and in the second half, in particular, he didn't even try on a number of occasions. How many times was he beaten to the ball in a contest? I can clearly remember two occasions in the second half when an Antrim player was attacking down the terrace side with 40m of space between him and Cunninghams man with Cunningham no more than a yard behind. Twice he drifted
away from the line of play into traffic when the ball would have been there to be won in front. He looked like he didn't want to know. Several around me commented on it. Contrast with Kevin Brady who actually competed - even if it was with limited effect.
Quote from: hardstation on July 04, 2010, 07:08:55 PM
Quote from: DuffleKing on July 04, 2010, 06:51:26 PM
Realistically lads, what has baker achieved? have antrim beaten anyone of note?
Have kildare beaten anyone of note in championship football?
He has taken us from Div 4 to Div 2. He took us to an Ulster final. This was unthinkable when he took over. In championship football, we have lost to Tyrone, Kerry and Kildare. The Kildare result is disappointing but were Antrim ever going to beat Tyrone or Kerry?
And they're well up from being the worst team in Ulster. They're now clearly better than a couple and are well capable of giving another few teams a rattle. I'd call that progress.
Quote from: imtommygunn on July 04, 2010, 07:39:18 PM
While his tactics weren't inspirational yesterday Baker has still brought a lot to antrim football.
Before last year we had won 2 ulster championship matches since 1982. Baker doubled that tally in one year.
He has brought what any manager who came in couldn't buy - belief. Before last year I'm not sure I had ever seen an antrim football team with belief in my life.
All true and he has delivered great progress but I fear he is up against the buffers now and has taken Antrim as far as they can go for the forseeable future. He has brought belief as you say. He has scoured the county and to his credit anybody that has shown the slightest hint of talent has been given a chance. Yet when he looked at his bench on Saturday he had no-one worth bringing in? Mick McCann was atrocious. Colin Brady looked unfit and was given the runaround - only his experience and craft saved him on a couple of occasions. Tomas McCann continually ran down blind alleys and was disposessed like a cub on more than one occasion. Justin Crozier was a poor full-back. Anto Healy looked lost as the sweeper. Magill was obviously not ready and was a poor (desperate?) call by Bradley. And with that the cupboard was bare.
What of Aaron Douglas or Dermot McCann who were flavours of the month not so long ago? Or young Finch who came on for extra time the last day and did well by a number of accounts? Was there really no-one on the bench worth using apart from Magill? That's damning in itself.
Bradley has done very well to take Antrim to Division 2 but they stumbled there in the end and have been found wanting when the ante was upped in the latter part of the league and since. They will have their work cut out to stay there. Particularly if the Derry seat comes free...
To some degree Baker is limited by his panel. I have great respect for what he has done but the tactics deployed yesterday were never going to win us that game. We had to go at them.
The biggest thing that struck me was the he never really tried to change from his defensive strategy of 7 behind ball even when getting stuffed. He then said in the interview afterwards he was forced to take a defender off - sure he was playing 7 and could afford it!
The last few months have been fairly disappointing to be honest. A few boys who were great last year just haven't cut it this year at all. "Second year syndrome" and all that.
We needed offensive play yesterday, a HF line and Michael McCann where he could play. Why couldn't , for example, Kevin McGourty have been tried at FF? He was very effective against Salthill for St Galls (against Finian Hanley too) Loughrey could have been pushed up, then there was Dermot McCann (was he still on the panel?). CJ was a big loss might I add. He has a quality which will trouble the better teams which a lot of our players wouldn't have so Baker was constrained in that regard. I couldn't have seen Aaron Douglas improving things - I thought Crozier did pretty well. Brady (Colin) you're being harsh on as Doyle troubles the best of them. Gerard O'Boyle I felt should have been tried.
Where we go from here is anyones guess. We need to stop playing 7 defenders. Every team under the sun has that tactic sussed. What happened yesterday was 7 men behind the ball and likewise with Kildare. Then we had no-one to hit from out the field as FF line double marked. This then led to midfielders / half backs (who are our half forwards too) trying to run at Kildare and running up blind alleys. The 7 men in defense is a strategy that can take you so far - it's taken us as far as it can and time to go back to 15 on 15.
Good points imtommygunn. Dermot McCann was listed on the subs but was he even there? I've heard since that he played for Creggan on Friday night? Gerard O'Boyle wasn't even listed on the subs - had he left the panel or was just unavailable? I don't think Douglas would have added much either but there was a time not very long ago when Bradley presumably thought he could? It is interesting is it not that Bradley didn't make use of any other subs apart from Magill. In a match that was so obviously slipping away ???
Fair enough about Brady on Doyle but I think he has looked below par and somewhat out of shape since his return (or maybe that's the fault of the new shirts - Magill didn't look in shape either :D). No shame in that - and no condemnation of him intended from me - given what he achieved with St Gall's. He owes nobody anything. I just think it is just another example of Bradley's poor judgement that nothing else was tried. Bradley has maybe hit his limit as much as Antrim has.
Quote from: OverThePostsAWide on July 04, 2010, 10:03:01 PM
Good points imtommygunn. Dermot McCann was listed on the subs but was he even there? I've heard since that he played for Creggan on Friday night? Gerard O'Boyle wasn't even listed on the subs - had he left the panel or was just unavailable? I don't think Douglas would have added much either but there was a time not very long ago when Bradley presumably thought he could? It is interesting is it not that Bradley didn't make use of any other subs apart from Magill. In a match that was so obviously slipping away ???
Fair enough about Brady on Doyle but I think he has looked below par and somewhat out of shape since his return (or maybe that's the fault of the new shirts - Magill didn't look in shape either :D). No shame in that - and no condemnation of him intended from me - given what he achieved with St Gall's. He owes nobody anything. I just think it is just another example of Bradley's poor judgement that nothing else was tried. Bradley has maybe hit his limit as much as Antrim has.
I dont think so. Are there any other full-backs in the county that would provide a bit more competition for places?
Which one of the Antrim lads started on big Willie Heffernan after the final whistle?
Brave man! :D
(http://www.sportsfile.com/winshare/watermarked/Library/SF606/439333.jpg)
Quote from: hardstation on July 04, 2010, 10:31:54 PM
Baker is still the man imo. Last night was bad but sure, forget about it and go again next year. Baker has taken us to Div 2 and has to have a crack at it. He's only been there 2 years and has brought us on no end. I can't see anyone wanting him to go. FFS, we're not Cavan.
Will he get a better offer, in Derry perhaps? Is Derry a better offer?
Anyway, I still think he's the mutts nuts and would be sad to see him go.
I'd agree with that and the point that Antrim are a little limited by the panel.
If I was Antrim CB I'd be tying him into a long term plan as he's a good manager if they can improve the structures a little.
Antrim have huge potential to improve - possibly more than any other Ulster county.
Baker has worked wonders.
He needs to move away from not playing a half forward line though!!
Basically we used the same tactics this year as last year and were predictable. For Baker to continue doing well he has to change that.
Some people have asked who have we beat of significance. Maybe you should cast your mind back 2 years... Donegal, Cavan, rattling Kerry and drawing with Kildare is pretty big for antrim never mind stepping up 2 divisions in 2 years when we couldn't get out of the bottom one before him.
Big Willie Heffernan is a legend.
Well done Kildare, great win up in Casement.
Even Chuck Norris wouldn't mess with Big Willie :o
Cheers AZ, hopefully Offaly can send those Blahs back to Waterford with their tails firmly between their legs.
Baker is Antrim's most successful manager since about 1912. Simple as that.
I wasn't at the match on Sat but there are a couple of points worth making. Externally, opposing teams take Antrim much more seriously than in the recent past and therefore the level of preparation is probably much greater. Antrim have no element of surprise any more. Allied to this they ahve sussed how Antrim play and can negate this.
Internally, we have a few obvious weaknesses on the team (HF line) but what is worrying are the problems in front of the posts. I make it that Antrim scored 7 or 8 points from play during 160 odd minutes of football. This is a return of the dark days of the 80s and 90s when Antrim players seemed not to want to shoot for a point.
THe objective now is to stay in Div 2 next year and maybe with a bit a a kinder draw another Ulster final?? In 2011 it will be 60 years from the Saffrons last provinical title. If someone would knock out Tyrone and Monaghan we could be in with a shout :P
Quote from: A Quinn Martin Production on July 05, 2010, 11:45:12 AM
Baker is Antrim's most successful manager since about 1912. Simple as that.
I wasn't at the match on Sat but there are a couple of points worth making. Externally, opposing teams take Antrim much more seriously than in the recent past and therefore the level of preparation is probably much greater. Antrim have no element of surprise any more. Allied to this they ahve sussed how Antrim play and can negate this.
Internally, we have a few obvious weaknesses on the team (HF line) but what is worrying are the problems in front of the posts. I make it that Antrim scored 7 or 8 points from play during 160 odd minutes of football. This is a return of the dark days of the 80s and 90s when Antrim players seemed not to want to shoot for a point.
THe objective now is to stay in Div 2 next year and maybe with a bit a a kinder draw another Ulster final?? In 2011 it will be 60 years from the Saffrons last provinical title. If someone would knock out Tyrone and Monaghan we could be in with a shout :P
Are you serious?
Some interesting views. Personally i think it would be great if Antrim could keep Niall Conway on board,who has brought things on a fair bit and who hasnt got one per cent of the headlines Baker has. The players have a lot of respect for Niall, and what he has brought to the set up.
Kildare were better than us on a lot of fronts. Better movement, better shape, and much more physically capable. It looked like welterweights against light-heavyweights at times.
Say what you like about Niall Mc Keever, but he would have won a good bit of first phase possession that we lacked.
In fairness to Baker, he lacked the opportunity to play Gallagher and Mc Keever which would have been his automatic midfield selection. Herron and Mc Gort tried hard, and gave their all, but neither first choice in the MF dept, but used in the forward line, in an ideal world would have left us stronger up front.
Andy, and possibly Burke might have offered help in the physical stakes too, but again neither available. Finally, in my own opinion Mark Dougan would have been a big plus on his recent club form, see my posts on that subject on the Antrim discussion page last week.
We were too tired looking, too weak, and too easily disposessed.
Fair play to a good Kildare team, and good luck as you go.
Quote from: DuffleKing on July 04, 2010, 06:51:26 PM
have antrim beaten anyone of note?
Have kildare beaten anyone of note in championship football?
Quote from: imtommygunn on July 05, 2010, 08:56:08 AM
Some people have asked who have we beat of significance. Maybe you should cast your mind back 2 years... Donegal, Cavan, rattling Kerry and drawing with Kildare is pretty big for antrim
Noone then?
Quote from: A Quinn Martin Production on July 05, 2010, 11:45:12 AM
Baker is Antrim's most successful manager since about 1912. Simple as that.
Better than the Ulster winning teams in the 40s?
Quote from: AZOffaly on July 05, 2010, 10:21:13 AM
Big Willie Heffernan is a legend.
There's only going to be one winner when you take on the big Nurney monster!
(http://www.sportsfile.com/winshare/watermarked/Library/SF453/RP0063848.jpg)
Quote from: DuffleKing on July 04, 2010, 06:51:26 PM
Quote from: imtommygunn on July 05, 2010, 08:56:08 AM
Some people have asked who have we beat of significance. Maybe you should cast your mind back 2 years... Donegal, Cavan, rattling Kerry and drawing with Kildare is pretty big for antrim
Noone then?
Define significance DK?(or maybe another question is who defines significant - you?) We have beaten teams who were considered of significance
relative to us under Baker yes and lots of them. Last year beating anyone was beating someone of significance. We went from winning
no games to drawing with regular quarter finalists, getting to an ulster final and winning promotion twice in two years.
All fair enough ITG, but Saturday night as bad as we seen for a long time. Bereft of ideas, wrong gameplan, etc.
No doubt Baker/Conway have taken things on, but I would say that with the players at our disposal, the all -ireland club champions, the new training facilities available that Jody, Culbert and others never had access to, and the best generation of players we have had for some while, that progress was ineviitable.
If Baker/Conway stay, and they deserve to, I think their greatest contribution will be to sustain our position/ranking as a division two team.
Frankly I think St Galls could have won most of the matches in Division three, and definitely division four, so lets keep the lid on what has been achieved, and if anything stimulate a bit of constructive debate/interest in how we dont get to see more major disapointments like Saturday night, or the league final, or the majority of the mismatch against Tyrone.
On what I see, if we are still in division two in ten months, then I will be pleasantly surprised, but certainly it wont happen on Saturday nights showing.
Priority one must be to bulk the squad up physically. In division two the intensity increases, and a nice running style will not prevail in that environment.
Maybe time to move this to the Antrim thread.
To be honest I would concur with most of what you said BS.
I was just trying to put some context on Baker's reign and people assessing it because we haven't beat a big gun yet.
We build by going at teams and playing a HF line. That is the fundamental thing we must do. We have played for too long with no half forward line.
Saturday night was crap. Not the fact we got beat but the nature of the defeat. No-one could argue that.
Anyway, rant over.
Moved my post to the Antrim board
McGeeney post match interview:
http://www.kfmradio.com/kfm-podcasting/sport-podcasts/reaction-kieran-mcgeeney-3-7-10.html (http://www.kfmradio.com/kfm-podcasting/sport-podcasts/reaction-kieran-mcgeeney-3-7-10.html)
Beaten to the punch
snap