Messages

Glensman, it does no harm whatsoever to remind ourselves, that we have a great group of young players coming through. That we could/ should/would have won last years U -21 title, IS  actually something we need to keep highlighting. Outside the county, well, maybe no one will believe it, but that group of players know themselves what happened, and the most annoying thing about it was, it wasnt lost on the field. It was lost in officialdom. Thats the sad part!

I agree, we must move on, and its good to know there are real talents out there. There can be no argument our current 19-23 age group is the strongest we have ever had.

In fact, I think its fair to ask the question, would we have beated Derry at Casement with a fit  Michael Magill and Sean Kelly, as well as Dougan and big Benny on fron the start? As for Kevin Mc Gourty.......

Its another "dont know", but it definitely has to be said those players would have made some difference.

As you say, its up to Jody to bring it all together, and he needs all our support to do this.

Chamonmodo, that some name boy, where does that come from?

Cj wasnt playing minor, read my post, he was playing for his school. How hard would it have been to get one game at 11 and the other at 4pm? Sure he could have been taken off at half time in the school match, they were that far ahead.

Your other point is sound, the players definitely were well up for it. It was there for the taking.

The point I make was that there was no effort whatsoever to facilitate CJ.  Every other county board would have made an effort, except Antrims.

To say that Justy wouldnt have made the team, if he was available is an interesting point though. It is well known that 2 selectors were huge in Croziers favour, and two others, city based, including the manager, werent that impressed with him. It is also well known that it caused huge dissention in the camp in the few days leading up to the match, particularly with MEADE getting the vacant jersey, prompted by his clubmate, club manager selector,in an unbelievable show of St Johns nepotism.

As I say again, we`ll never know, but sure, so what!

It was only our best chance of an Ulster or national football title.

ITG, Tyrone won Ulster, and lost by a point to Mayo in the semi. Mayo won it.

No doubt Tyrone were a good side, but Crozier and CJ played the week before, against Fermanagh, which Antrim won by twelve points.

All I`m saying, Cromagh, and its 06, not 07 Im talking about, that some of the blazers didnt do enough behind the scenes to make sure they were available against Tyrone. CJ played as captain for the minors that day, and CJ for his school in the All Ireland B colleges semi final. He scored 4 goals and 5 points that day.

Tyrone, in Omagh were always going to be difficult, but my argumemt, now supported by the way CJ and Crozier have blossomed into the stars of the senior team this year, is that their availability could/should /would have been enough to get through that day.

And after that, well we wont ever know, will we.

TommyGunn, I know its an old chestnut, but you singled out MP, CJ and Crozier, quite rightly, all class acts.

Supports my theory  that internal politics really cost us a provincial or poss national u-21 title last year. Getting beaten by 0-13 to 0-11, in Omagh without CJ and Crozier would make you wonder would we not have been two or three points, at least a better team with them playing?

As far Mickey Pollocks omission this year, and not playing Benny Hasson midfield, well only John Mc Sparran can sort that one out!

Aw fcuk, dont get me started again!

Kinda disagree with your opinion re Gorts ITG.

I think there is some kind of movement up there at the minute, and even if their minors didnt win the c`ship, I really liked four or five of them. At least four class players, notably keeper, centre half back, a midfielder and a few very good forwards, one in particular with some left foot.

Would say they will be around for a few years, they looked more like gaelic players than soccer players, if you get my drift!

Thanks TommyGunn.

Hadnt heard the result of Gorts v Galls minor match, and thought it would be a close call. Gorts hammered Stinsons who have been unbeaten and impressive all year in SW league, so Galls must be good too.

In fairness, although they can be a bit OTT and in your face, particularly at their tight little pitch, Gorts do deserve a helluva lot of credit. They have made huge strides in recent years, poss top 2 or 3 in minor , u-21 champions, and now into senior semis.

Antrim needs a few teams coming through to challenge St Galls and Cargin, and certainly in the city, we need the Turf lodge area, as well as the huge South Belfast area (ST Brigids) with a passionate GAA fraternity.

As far as I can see, the traditionalists such as St Johns and Rossa are really struggling to make an impact, with St Pauls, Lamh Dearg and Sarsfields another 30% to find from somewhere.  St Endas quite simply are under performing year on year, with their huge catchment. So fair play to Brigids and the Gorts for at least being on a progressive curve.

Can anyone teel me how the minor football c`ship is going. Who plays who next?

Would have a knowledge of some of the Derry team that played last night, and suffice to say, they have not been locked away for months preparing for last nights game.

At the end of the day, talking to a few from the Derry camp this morning, it seems to me that Derry were winning a lot more 50/50 ball than Antrim.

No point in having a lot of gifted players, if the other team wants it more. Definitely one very very bad night for Antrim hurling, especially as this year group was supposed to be the dogs bollox.

No one has ever doubted Magill or Dougan`s ability. Personally I`m delighted to have them back, and I think if we are going to beat Wicklow, they will be needed at some stage in the match. I`d say both were a bit careless with the committment thing earlier in the year, and with lessons learned, Antrim football will be a lot better for their inclusion. Definitely two excellent talents.

Well done to Jody and good luck to all involved on Saturday. It wont be easy, but lets hope we win, and put down a marker for next season. Will be kicking every ball with you!

Personally I would rate Brian very highly.

Had a few dealings with and against him, and always found him to be top class in all he did.

He must feel there is not much more he can do with Donegal, and has settled for silverware in the form of the NFL.

I`d say he would be on a lot of counties short list, and of course should Mickey Harte ever call it a day, I`d say that Brian would be in with a great chance of his beloved county job.

Alternatively, there would be a fairly long queue of clubs lining up for him. Good luck to the man, a gentleman.

Seanie, your facilities were 100%, and thanks for a great weekend. Credit to the Coolanny club for looking after us so well, and some great friendships were made. Coolaney followed us everywhere after our game the first day, and their support for us, especially up at your ground, was terrific. Then they followed us to Cootehall later that evening, and to the final in Carrick.

Think we were beaten by a better side, by St Rynaghs. There are no excuses from us at all. Turned out that thirteen St Rynaghs lads played in the hurling feile and were beaten in the section A semi final, by two points, by the eventual winners Castleknock, who put up such an impressive display in the hurling final, winning easily.

In light of that, who could deprive them their victory!

No 10 is Peter Duffin, a real class act, and best chum of my own lad, no 5.

The other wee blondie, no 16, top of thr right, who scored the winning goal at your place against St Lomans of Westmeath, is my other wee lad, and still under twelve.

We had a great time altogether, and on behalf of Sean Stinsons I say a big thank you to your club, and all the others involved in such an unforgettable weekend.

I knew Magherafelt were the team to beat in section A. We have played them four or five times in recent years in friendlys!!

Attended my first feile at the weekend.

What a superb event, and the organisation was first class.

My tips on last Thursday last werent far away, one winner and two runners up, out of three selections.

Well done to all concerned.

Baileboro played us I think iin the Ulster feile. Good game. Youre right, they are big , but would be surprised if they win division two.

My tips are Magherafelt div one, New York div two, if last year is anything to go on, and would give our own lads a chance in division three. (Sean Stinsons / Antrim).

Time will tell. Sure its only for the fun anyway..........!!!!!!!

Headin down meself for the weekend, with the Antrim side, Sean Stinsons, in div three.

Any feedback out there on the teams in this group.

Dont wish to give them the kiss of death, but the team that beats Magherafelt would be in with a shout in division one.

Thats my tip, but dont go losing too much money on it!

Have a great weekend.

Headin off to Sligo tomorrow with the county representaties in the Feile Peil nOg, Sean Stinsons.

They are worthy county champions, as most who have seen them in action will agree.

In a tough group, division three, with eleven other teams, including the county champions of Monaghan, Sligo, Roscommon,westmeath, offaly, Louth, Fermanagh,Limerick, Carlow and Leitrim.

Will report back on their progress on Monday. Have a nice weekend!