Antrim Football Thread

[Milltown Row2]

Suppose we have no idea who the contenders are for U21? 

Did these teams compete at minor (though not a great gauge) or did they miss out with the switch from U18 to U17?  From memory I think we switched in 2021 meaning they wouldn't have had a minor championship?

Usual suspects Brides and Cargin?  Wee bit early for the strong St Paul's batch coming through?

Certainly Cargin if they tog out, Con Magees possibly , Aghagallon. St Paul's have been there or thereabouts at minor with Brigids last few years, have lads pushed on. 

Question for all clubs is how many lads away off to college/work somewhere else and not training with group etc.

On the basis leagues don't matter no reason not to run the u21 knockout off during June/1st week of July and if lads pulled away from senior squads so be it.

Just as a reminder.. one's on here posting and complaining about games in early July due to the 'holidays'

You stick a set of dates in any time it's causing an effect on other games, that in turn will create 'hassles' for other people.

Under 21 should be straight knockout one championship, no A B or C extras

Under 21's either at college or working. Be very few lads that head away for college from these shores.

Under was not really in any county given much attention as it's not a biggie.

[Milltown Row2]

Who won the minor this year?

St Brigids beat St Paul's by a goal

Of course I knew that, also St Paul's won it last year..

Not all doom and gloom

[BrendanAntrim]

IIRC last year it was u19 and this year is u21 meaning a player could've missed out last year being 19 and back in the fold this year as u21. Surely that's a positive for many clubs getting lads back playing who may have wavered or just not cut it at senior level so think an acknowledgement to all clubs who voted to revert the age groups back is appropriate.

Soft pitches and cold weather hopefully won't take away from some good football. Reminds me of school football when the weather and pitches aren't great so a lot of the players will be used to it.

Last chance for a City team to make an impact this year or will they be barren of championship silverware this season?

Minor championship not count? One Belfast team beat another in the final.

[Round or stuffed]

any word on when the division 3 promotion playoff will be

[Beirbua2024]

IIRC last year it was u19 and this year is u21 meaning a player could've missed out last year being 19 and back in the fold this year as u21. Surely that's a positive for many clubs getting lads back playing who may have wavered or just not cut it at senior level so think an acknowledgement to all clubs who voted to revert the age groups back is appropriate.

Soft pitches and cold weather hopefully won't take away from some good football. Reminds me of school football when the weather and pitches aren't great so a lot of the players will be used to it.

Last chance for a City team to make an impact this year or will they be barren of championship silverware this season?

Minor championship not count? One Belfast team beat another in the final.

Yes fair enough I may have had my blinkers on thinking only about Senior grade competition I'll take that on the chin. Maybe won't translate immediately to success at Senior but well done both those clubs

[BrendanAntrim]

Nice point for Marc Jordan there in tonight's new rules game

[Gold]

Nice point for Marc Jordan there in tonight's new rules game

Magic

Maith thú

[bannside]

Marc a true gentleman and imo Antrims most consistently good player for last few years. He can be pleased with his contribution tonight.

[Round or stuffed]

will there be a division 3/Junior Promotion playoff at this stage, 2 weeks and radio silence on it, clubs have downed tools since their championship exit, at least the division 1 relegation was sorted relatively quickly, 3 or 4 clubs now left in limbo over this

[Slemishgael]

What's everyone's thoughts on our county champions at senior intermediate and junior giving Ulster a rattle this year?

[bannside]

Cargin must feel good, they've their strongest panel for a long time, and went close against All Irelsnd Champs last year, arguably "robbed" depending on who you talk to. Plus Tyrone or Donegal clubs have a poor record in this. Be good to hear what their representatives on here think?

All Saints be my own pick if I was to predict who might collect silverware or go closest. Got a lot of quality and speed to burn..Be fantastic for the town if they do.

Not sure about our strength in junior grade tbh, but Amtrim have nothing to lose at this stage.

[EOC1923]

Cargin must feel good, they've their strongest panel for a long time, and went close against All Irelsnd Champs last year, arguably "robbed" depending on who you talk to. Plus Tyrone or Donegal clubs have a poor record in this. Be good to hear what their representatives on here think?

All Saints be my own pick if I was to predict who might collect silverware or go closest. Got a lot of quality and speed to burn..Be fantastic for the town if they do.

Not sure about our strength in junior grade tbh, but Amtrim have nothing to lose at this stage.

Can't be denied the 4 weeks break is huge help to prep, Paul mccann missed the final completely,
Big Gerard missed 3/4 of it, Mick played throughout with a quad injury and Wee Jamie played through the pain when he came on. So this time ideal to heal any injuries. Hopefully the 4 weeks gets the team back up somewhere close to full strength to give us any chance.

[EOC1923]

Ballymena have a good opportunity I feel, big name county players littered through the team

[Milltown Row2]

Ballymena have a good opportunity I feel, big name county players littered through the team

They should go as well as St Enda's did that year they got to the Club final, and get hammered by a div 1 Kerry team

[imtommygunn]

Even their first round is tough - Tyrone or Donegal champions won't be easy beat. Hopefully they will get past that but it won't be easy either.