Antrim Football Thread

[bannside]

Fine achievement, credit where its due.

[Spike]

So Cargin were beaten in Ulster this year by the Ulster Champions and potential All Ireland champions.  Shows to the strength of Ulster football and how competitive it is.

It is a great competition, a super showpiece for Ulster football.  have Cargin been beat by the winners in 5 of the last 7 times they have played in the comp? Just shows the levels we all have to get to

[Saffrongael]

If only he'd have brought that championship edge to Antrim

If only he had the horses

[BigGreenField]

What should a school be doing?

Schools can't fix all that needs fixed however they do have lads for 6 months of the playing year (at least)

The top tier schools, the competing teams are synonymous with the school and competitions - the culture has been built to achieve this and that is the area of ask: Setting the culture: setting standards for training attendance (not picking and choosing), intensity of play, the right kit, required fitness, all basics all important not skills.

 Is the team held up in the  school as a thing that is valued/role model - is their a "want" by players to be on it? Schools need to create the club mentality.

Other areas - schools to tell the feeder clubs directly what are the areas for development, I think one of the hurling schools in Ulster did a thing of the school coaches going into their feeder clubs to host training for the club and what they wanted.

Ask for help - if a school needs help, ask their feeder clubs or identify coaches at club with expertise. One of the Derry schools at one stage had a paid gaa officer outside of teaching staff.

I wouldn't expect schools to pile into top tier at upper end of schools however I think some could be braver at e.g. Dalton Cup level. I'd get rid of the Gaelfast Antrim tournaments and schools should be playing outside Antrim.


There should also be an onus on clubs to collaborate in support of schools , facilities, coaching, mentoring etc.

[bannside]

Why would you get rid of the gaelfast competitions? Surely any and all activity is to be encouraged?

[BrendanAntrim]

Jody Gormley RIP, anyone listening to the recent podcast with Thomas Niblock and Oisin will know how powerful it was, if you haven't listened yet you should https://www.bbc.co.uk/sounds/play/p0k1qdvv

He was a fine player with of course a big Antrim connection. Very sad.

[Cnoc Bán]

Why would you get rid of the gaelfast competitions? Surely any and all activity is to be encouraged?

I agree. As a parent whose children have played and will play in the Antrim Cup, I think it is a great initiative and has definitely boosted interest in the game in Antrim, especially in what typically would be non GAA schools.

I know of some children whose first involvement in GAA was as part of these competitions and as a result, then went on and joined local clubs.

While it may not be as elitist as some would hope, I think the importance is getting more playing the game.

[imtommygunn]

Exactly - the keyword there is interest. Especially football wise we need more interest from the younger generation. More interest will mean more numbers and more numbers would hopefully drive better standards etc. The Antrim cup etc is great to see.

[SaffronSports]

Probably serves it's purpose then but I'm sure the poster probably means that it's not necessarily raising standards at the top end and that the bigger schools should be participating there but also look beyond it and at Ulster competitions which should increase levels.

[Stillwater2]

Any new managerial appointments within clubs?

[belfastsaff]

Any new managerial appointments within clubs?

Lenny for St Brides i heard on sunday night.

[AllStar15]

Any new managerial appointments within clubs?

Lenny for St Brides i heard on sunday night.

John Rafferty to Aldergrove according to their facebook.

[belfastsaff]

Any new managerial appointments within clubs?

Lenny for St Brides i heard on sunday night.

John Rafferty to Aldergrove according to their facebook.

Big Money appointment and for what ?

[Belfast GAA man]

With the revenue investigating in the Free State the paying clubs up hear should be nervous lads

[imtommygunn]

Probably paying counties too