Antrim Football Thread

imtommygunn · January 26, 2025, 08:27:47 PM

BS that's a great win. IF we follow it up against Fermanagh we are in a healthy position. This division is tough and we could be anywhere between relegation and promotion candidates- it's just so hard to know - but getting points on the board early a massive boost.

bannside · January 26, 2025, 08:43:16 PM

True ITG. Every point is precious. We've seen many Antrim teams losing games in a dogfight like that. A blocked tackle from Eunan Walsh late in the game when Clare had a goal on was typical of the Saffron spirit on show today. Superb start to the year, Ederney Sunday be another test.

ck · January 26, 2025, 08:45:40 PM

Great win. Andy doing a magnificent job it has to be said.

imtommygunn · January 26, 2025, 08:51:52 PM

Are there many injuries in the squad? Is conchuir Johnston there - be good to see him get a league campaign behind him. Didn't see mcaleer, either of the older hynds brothers or Peter Healy in the squad either.

I think we have done well in tight enough games under mcentee and shown the grit to win them. Definitely there were games last year we would historically have lost too.

Still early days but a promising result.

bannside · January 26, 2025, 09:05:17 PM

Paddy McAleer retired himself from the inter county scene, great baller. Conchuir on injury list again! Peter out for most of the year with a broken foot sustained in Tailteean Cup semi, and Hynds Bros, one on panel, one injured, one working Dublin and can't commit.

imtommygunn · January 26, 2025, 09:09:43 PM

Ah - good to know thanks bs. Poor Peter Healy- didn't realise that at all.

Hopefully Johnston back soon.

Christmas Lights · January 26, 2025, 10:44:21 PM

Looking at the starting lineup and subs, am I right in saying no Cargin players at all?? What gives? Do they simply have no desire to play county as I'm sure with them being miles ahead this past few years they would have at least a few players at county standard? Pat Shivers good player but he wasn't on the teamsheets?

asaffgael · January 26, 2025, 11:37:21 PM

Eunan Quinn was on the bench. Shivers isn't good enough and doesn't have the work rate. He even frustrates many of the green and white.

BigGreenField · January 27, 2025, 05:10:49 AM

Quote from: imtommygunn on January 26, 2025, 08:51:52 PMAre there many injuries in the squad? Is conchuir Johnston there - be good to see him get a league campaign behind him. Didn't see mcaleer, either of the older hynds brothers or Peter Healy in the squad either.

I think we have done well in tight enough games under mcentee and shown the grit to win them. Definitely there were games last year we would historically have lost too.

Still early days but a promising result.

Thank, amateur players etc who don't have to share these details, as the game profile grows there is interest so perhaps some balance here from County pro would be worth considering.

A ground out win given the conditions, good to see the young lad from Sarsfields get a few minutes and Byrne to the fore.

Níl a fhios agam · January 27, 2025, 09:05:36 AM

Quote from: bannside on January 26, 2025, 08:17:45 PMGame over 6 hours ago, not a comment. Strange that, methinks had we lost...the thread would be hiving!

Bannside, apologies, the rural contingency within this thred where perhaps without power, including myself until late last night, so wernt as sharp as you with the sentiment.

But you are right to congratulate, clare never been easy opposition, and yesterday wouldnt have been pretty with conditions, so a great victory and start to the season. McEntee does deserve alot of credit for what he has been doing with that squad. On paper, the names starting for us probably underwhelm us a bit, but have to say, McEntee has them eating out of his hand and he seems to get more out of them lads than their clubs do

Níl a fhios agam · January 27, 2025, 09:07:37 AM

IMO Creggan, Cargin and Casements probably not well enough represented in the county senior panel. Some great players, though has to be said, age profile of the 3 clubs probably higher than the rest.

Out of curiosity how did Ryan Murray do? Looked to be struggling last year coming back from injury, but was glad to see him on the team sheet

Take the Mark · January 27, 2025, 09:12:37 AM

Off the top of my head I would wager Cargin fielded a good 10 players under 25 over the duration of the county final. And would say Portglenone would also have been close to that number so your point is invalid NAFA.

Spike · January 27, 2025, 09:40:32 AM

Good win yesterday, every point in this league precious especially in those conditions.

Níl a fhios agam · January 27, 2025, 12:14:46 PM

i dont think your points valid TTM as atleast the older lads im talking about across the 3 teams were worthy of a county panel at a time. Ricky J, Marty J, Ruairi McCann, Niall McK, Niall Delargy, James Laverty, McCanns, Kevin O'B.... The younger lads you are referring to, are either yet to enter a county panel or have done and havent succeeded making their mark i.e Pat shivers, Ben Kelly, L.Quinn, O.Doherty for examples....

I would even go as far as saying the majority of them younger boys you are referring to be not be guaranteed starters for their clubs.

i think my points valid in that regard

Níl a fhios agam · January 27, 2025, 12:17:36 PM

And here... jsut for clarity, are u suggesting the 3 clubs i named havent got an older age profile in terms of their squads than the rest..... if so i would suggest you dont watch alot of club football around the county to familiarize your self with the other teams. As i think im stating the obvious