Antrim Football Thread

[imtommygunn]

It's a building block - that's all. It will mean nothing to the likes of Cargin because they've won it plenty I'm sure. If Cargin had won the league this year then they'd still have beat St Brigid's in the championship. It is something for "smaller" clubs to win something and is something to build on. I doubt Portglenone winning the league last year had any bearing on their championship outcome either.

[Duine Inteacht Eile]

The league has never been of the same importance as championship to anyone but to say it means nothing to Cargin isn't true either.

[bannside]

Looked up You Tube there just to prove you were wrong...but you were right...lol!  It was 2016, Div 4 final. Big Fitzy gave it his all tbf.

[bannside]

Even Cargin were glad of an oul league trophy and medals to hand out at their dinner dance in the not too distant past. All part of building some internal belief when the big one was out of reach.

But there's no doubt this years league was much more laid back than usual.

Yet in Tyrone its highly valued, suppose that's because there isn't one dominant force.

[Take the Mark]

It's a building block - that's all. It will mean nothing to the likes of Cargin because they've won it plenty I'm sure. If Cargin had won the league this year then they'd still have beat St Brigid's in the championship. It is something for "smaller" clubs to win something and is something to build on. I doubt Portglenone winning the league last year had any bearing on their championship outcome either.

Well probably not, but every team plays without pressure in the league. Come championship time the pressure mounts as the rounds go by - some teams can handle it and some cant (check recent defeats in semis) but it can be overcome.

Are the shackles off? A relaxing attitude going into the final?

[Silver Eel]

Cargin had to watch Galls win 13 championships in 14 years. What a precedent that was, unlikely to ever happen again. Cargin know the pain of defeat over that spell and certainly aren't taking any individual championship for granted

[Spike]

I'd agree.  I don't think Cargin will underestimate Portglenone but they wont fear them either.  If Portglenone were that confident they wouldn't have got the semi final draws switched.

I think they'll tell themselves the story they are confident and hype up the players but really they're hoping Cargin are flat on the day or relying on lady luck to intervene.

[Take the Mark]

I think everyone knows the craic with Cargin at this stage, been there and done it quite a few times. All eyes will be on the Ports men, especially their 'big' names. They will be expected to put in a mighty show. No reason why they shouldnt either.

[Ghost+Tommy]

I'd agree.  I don't think Cargin will underestimate Portglenone but they wont fear them either.  If Portglenone were that confident they wouldn't have got the semi final draws switched.

Did you ever think the Johnny's didn't want to play cargin and fancied playing creggan or dunloy,we wanted to get 2 byes in the relegation playoffs but that didnt work lol,one thing I do know,KP won't let Mic,thomas or Jimmy lav to ref the game,

[Spike]

The Johnnies have championship DNA. They aren't afraid of anyone in a championship match.

[AllStar15]

St Conleth's stadium in Kildare is quality, something like that is all Antrim needed, re-do the main stand to something modern and new. We have missed a trick and now it has dragged on for nearly a generation of footballers not able to play at Casement.

[AllStar15]

I'd agree.  I don't think Cargin will underestimate Portglenone but they wont fear them either.  If Portglenone were that confident they wouldn't have got the semi final draws switched.

Did you ever think the Johnny's didn't want to play cargin and fancied playing creggan or dunloy,we wanted to get 2 byes in the relegation playoffs but that didnt work lol,one thing I do know,KP won't let Mic,thomas or Jimmy lav to ref the game,

I have to say, I think Kevin is one of the best we have. The game is brewing to be a cracker, only complaint is the entrance fee but heyho, the county need to make their money somewhere.

[Take the Mark]

Unimportant who the ref is, he'll be grand and hopefully he enjoys his day.

Keep an eye out for a Carryduff native trying to shhmooze him and his colleagues before the game though 

[bannside]

Big weekend has finally arrived and the work has been done. Portglenone will be travelling in good shape and with plenty of confidence.

Will it be enough?

A small group of players have all county medals from under 12, Under 14, Feile, Og Sport champions, under 16, (all as part of Sean Stinsons amalgamation) Under 21, intermediate cship, Div 2 league, Division 1 league (Eddie Fitz) and apart from a minor championship, only the Mc Namee Cup has eluded them.

Make no mistake this is the big one though, and to be fair Cargin are bang on too, full panel available their preparation has been their best yet according to inside feedback.

This could be a cracker.

[Gael-in-exile]

Cargin are well versed at controlling the game so I think PG1 will need to remember to play to their own tactics and not fall into Cargins tempo.
PG1 were very quick on the break and again were sharp enough even when held up but tended not to play patient possession for as long as Cargin are very comfortable in doing.
I think PG1 will need to get a good percentage of their chances converted when they arise.

I think it will be a relatively even enough game as long as PG1 don't get overwhelmed by the occasion but can understand Cargin hold the favourites tag as they holders and regular finalists/winners in last (10 out of last 12 years).

On a side note I think Cargin seem to take the 'experienced' tag and use it to their advantage but I think they either twist the view of it or someone does that for them to help it contribute to their motivation.
They have been in 10 of the last 12 finals. That is experience, if you were 18/19 in the first or second of those you have a huge amount of experience but would be under 30.
Personally I believe they are experienced but by no means an old team. Even involvement in a small number of finals since 2020 would give their players the experience of the big day and the heightened pressure of bigger championship days, and they've a few boys early 20's who have that.
They may have 4-5 starters over early 30's but there's plenty of others with experience who are not old.