Messages

Cargin, Creggan, Brids and PG1 all strong contenders.

The next group of Galls, Aghagallon, LD, Dunloy all have a chance of doing something this year with LD, Galls and Aghagallon improving a lot on last year - it's as wide open a championship as we have had in a long time.

Dont go worrying too much Gaels. Huge match for MG, meaningless run about for PG1.

Sean Boyd and Aidan McErlain impressive for Moneyglass, pace and ability to play at a higher level, imo.

Are you thinking of dipping back in to the transfer market?

RTE:'The winners of the eight ties will progress to Round 2A, with four teams from that stage advancing to the Tailteann Cup quarter-finals.

The eight losers of the ties will face off in Round 2B, after which the four losers of those ties will exit the championship.

The four winners of the Round 2B ties will face the four losers of the Round 2A ties, the winners of those ties advancing to the quarter-finals.'

[Mountain men under Fitzsimons this year also, they a clinker of a forward signed from somewhere in south]

Wanting to jump in on this conversation... this groups missed this craic. Good to see it back.

From what iv seen to date, The upper class swamp men, Kickhams, are the barometer for the rest to see can they get to their level sooner rather than later. They arent showing any mercy and whether it was Cargin, Moneyglass, LD or Casements, they seem fixated on implementing their game plan/style of play to the highest level they can. That means they will be a well oiled machine come championship. The only thing i would be concerned about come August... can they find another gear by then.... have they shown their full hand to the rest, too early... and can the contain their ego, as weve seen in the past, they can get very ahead of themselves like the Prawn Sandwich Brigade.

What i liked about what the Current County Champions achieved last year, there wasnt much noise coming from their camp and they went under the radar a bit until Quarter final stage when they really ramped it up and caught everyone on the hop.

Self proclaimed Contenders, Bannsides Army, definitely have the ability to reach a final again and beat anyone on their day. With new management in this year, i can see them chinning a big team come championship. I just dont believe theyve mentality to go further than what theyve done to date.

The Milltown men, seem to be making tracks. I can see a young energetic well coached group who can make a good run come championship with Burns a handful for any team. Likewise i can see Lurgan Reserves with the bit between their teeth this year, another dangerous team when they stop killing eachother and pull together. Notable mentions to City Mountain men under Fitzsimons this year also, they a clinker of a forward signed from somewhere in south, will definitely bolster their fire power, as well as Antrim Most Succesful Club, think Mcbride will keep them in div1 for another year.

Still believe The Lower Class Swamp men have the best panel of players. Its just whether they can bounce back after last years county final defeat and if their current county coach can come out of retirement

Very exciting championship coming this year i feel.

Who needs an underage system when you've a good scouting network

Those that started the county game were asked not to play.. everyone else was available

Must've been those who played a full game, seen Mark Jordan playing too

Derry away is only of the hardest fixtures in the provincials, but try some early ball in. We have forwards who actually can cause damage but give them a chance. Burns was excellent and busy, McQuillan maybe should have been on earlier as Domo didnt seem to be at the races(possibly because of the slow ponderous attacks). Paddy McAleer was causing issues inside when he had the few opportunities to. Just mix it up, not much was expected so at least have a go.

What do we expect?
We haven't won a minor or u20 game in years

Lots of tactical analysis going on here but not too many hands up when the job was open. Looking forward to the remaining fixtures of the year in hope

So we can't talk about it unless we were willing to take the job? Give over you

Can't blame the county on the weather...

hmm, almost like they control the other massive issue now causing this

St galls v Cargin    Cargin by 4

Glenravel v Ballymena  Ballymena by 7

Portglenone v TNN    Portglenone by 12

Creggan v LD          Creggan by 5

Rossa v Dunloy        Rossa by 1

Aghagallon v St Paul's  A'gal by 8

Sarsfields v St Brigids  st b's by 9

St John's v Moneyglass  jonnies by 6

Assuming no County panelist's will be made available for Club games this evening.

City games all wiped out by the deluge, fun job getting them rescheduled in a busy calendar.

No idea where any dual club will fit it in, football or hurling every Wednesday/Sunday right to the end of June - and I believe Div 2 splits and needs all first round fixtures tidied by end of May.

There's a really nice feature on the new Antrim website where you can go through results as far back as 2013 - for those interested.

Thought as much though it will still do the new Lisburn management and team the world of good.

Did Cargin get put out of the O'Cahan cup by Lisburn?

Cargin are still the favs but less so if Mick has retired. There is no doubt the chasing pack of 4/5 are getting closer to Cargin but whether thats because they are getting better or Cargin is sliding a bit is up for discussion.

Mick McCann's retirement may be greatly exaggerated
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Taking up refereeing full time? 
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Sure he's been at that for 20 years, he's earned his retirement

I wonder how much the injury to Deccy Smith will hit Dunloys chances. I'd forgotten about that. It's a serious injury to come back from and he was crucial to them last year. Mick McCanns retirement will be of equal if not more impactful on Cargin. There could well be more of the older hands hanging up the boots there in addition to that. I agree with the previous poster that Matthew and Conor Downey returning to Lavey wont be as significant a loss to St.Brigids as has been made out.

Cue the ridicule, but I think I'm convincing myself it might just be Creggans year! 

Mick McCann's retirement may be greatly exaggerated