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

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

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

Worrying thought.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

welcome Seamus

 

doubtful we'll be going backwards now.  would be very surprised if antrim get unlimited use of the place, it will be used a money generator so in the first instance i am hoping they have learned a lot from the Cork fiasco. Antrim's comparatively small support wont be something stadium management will be targeting.    there is still a big question on what we are getting - is it an all singing, all dancing mini-croker with premium or a basic shell with seats? huge difference in cost.      Giving Casement away was insanity but its done now.  Could have been still using it these past ten years.     Long term if we accept Casement isnt Antrim's then what is the long term plans for adding seating and developing Dunsilly, Corrigan or a club venue up the country?   

perhaps there is something i am not seeing here (and i will hold my hands up if that is the case) but filling the Division 1 league with teams that are clearly nowhere near that level doesn't sound like something that will improve all round quality.   There were already 1 or 2 struggling last year (and were relegated). The only chance these teams have is to gain some points when the top teams send their reserve teams down at the start of the season. Those poorer teams may marginally improve as a result but the quality of the league as a whole declines. 

As i say, happy to be wrong. Just would like to know the proper thinking on this and why they see this as benefitting Division 1 and Antrim football.   

Good result today. Limerick are relegation favs but still its a good showing away from home with a convincing win. Well done all. Much toucher games ahead though.

We'll take it.  a good start, that's all we can ask for.  expected to be a tight league so any points gained will be worth it

how are St Malachys and St Marys CBS performing these days?

which Belfast school is the closest to competing at McRory Level?

There will be a lot of dead rubber Div 1 games next year.  There was a strong suspicion some clubs didn't take it seriously last year, what is this season going to be like?

Who realistically do we think will come through and push for a place this year from that McKenna Cup squad? Some players looked to have been played out of position so McEntee has his own thinking on that and how they fit in long term. 

Only McKenna Cup.  Wouldnt be worrying too much about it, not like we have a strong record in it.  He needs to see what he is working with. 

It is an amazing gesture. fair play to him for doing it. Every club will welcome funds coming in and will make good use of them.

I'm not judging who puts their kids on a bus on their own - I'm merely saying that the world we live in in 2023 prefer not too. Access NI is a basic form not an in depth analysis.  The crux is the repeated long distances travelling in the evening. Keep this manageable and the parents and kids will come. Dunsilly seems to be either very busy or very unused, it certainly doesnt appear to operate like other centres of excellence.