Antrim Hurling

Deerstalker · March 02, 2026, 07:51:13 PM

Honestly we are light years behind the top teams (which I'm not sure Dublin even are) and the gap will most likely never be bridged. That's life, enjoy the games as best you can.

While we are making incremental improvements, do we think the other teams are sitting still ?

Milltown Row2 · March 02, 2026, 08:01:37 PM

We didn't make those big changes when other counties did early 90's

JonnyD_ · March 02, 2026, 10:33:43 PM

We definitely have more physical players in the county who have the skill to play at that level.

Overlooked or not interested call it what you want. But playing that type of game with boys who are sub 80kg is a no no!

NAG1 · March 03, 2026, 08:26:19 AM

Quote from: JonnyD_ on March 02, 2026, 10:33:43 PMWe definitely have more physical players in the county who have the skill to play at that level.

Overlooked or not interested call it what you want. But playing that type of game with boys who are sub 80kg is a no no!

Go ahead and feel free to name these ones that are missing.

I can think of one who has stepped away over it would seem personal issues with Davy.

JonnyD_ · March 03, 2026, 08:46:42 AM

I'll not be naming - you'll see my bias!

I just want want the best players available for selection, on the panel, on the pitch for the job that's being asked of them ... and every weekend.

There were at least 4 sitting watching the game in the stands and terrace!

Milltown Row2 · March 03, 2026, 08:52:06 AM

Quote from: JonnyD_ on March 03, 2026, 08:46:42 AMI'll not be naming - you'll see my bias!

I just want want the best players available for selection, on the panel, on the pitch for the job that's being asked of them ... and every weekend.

There were at least 4 sitting watching the game in the stands and terrace!

Did you ask them? You play for the county, if committed then the manager is to an extent irrelevant, as players we have all had disagreements with the coaches and managers over the years, but its not a democracy, train hard turn up and play

imtommygunn · March 03, 2026, 08:54:57 AM

The most suitable player we have physically is Bohill. I don't think he's our most skilful but he definitely has attributes which a lot of other county teams possess and we don't seem to. I don't think we have loads of player that kind of physical size etc about our county.

McManus was that kind of physicality too obviously but that ship has sailed.

Deerstalker · March 03, 2026, 09:03:28 AM

It's not just "physicality" it's also running power and athletic development

There were 5 or 6 Dublin players below 6 foot on Sunday. It helps but it isn't everything.

We just don't have the horses.

NorthAntrimSaff · March 03, 2026, 09:12:58 AM

Quote from: JonnyD_ on March 02, 2026, 10:33:43 PMWe definitely have more physical players in the county who have the skill to play at that level.

Overlooked or not interested call it what you want. But playing that type of game with boys who are sub 80kg is a no no!

I cant think of too many off the top of my head who havent been there before in previous years and for personal reasons/injury/age have stepped away

JonnyD_ · March 12, 2026, 11:39:47 AM

whats the views on the down game?

i think its a game we should win, physically we should not be dominated. not to take away from some of the individuals on the Down team but you have to expect Antrim to win this battle physically and tactically?

Milltown Row2 · March 12, 2026, 12:13:20 PM

Quote from: JonnyD_ on March 12, 2026, 11:39:47 AMwhats the views on the down game?

i think its a game we should win, physically we should not be dominated. not to take away from some of the individuals on the Down team but you have to expect Antrim to win this battle physically and tactically?

You'd have to go back to early 90's to when Down matched Antrim physically and tactically, we'd need a lot to go wrong to lose this game

Milltown Row2 · March 12, 2026, 02:32:55 PM

Quote from: johnnycool on March 12, 2026, 12:50:36 PM
Quote from: Milltown Row2 on March 12, 2026, 12:13:20 PM
Quote from: JonnyD_ on March 12, 2026, 11:39:47 AMwhats the views on the down game?

i think its a game we should win, physically we should not be dominated. not to take away from some of the individuals on the Down team but you have to expect Antrim to win this battle physically and tactically?

You'd have to go back to early 90's to when Down matched Antrim physically and tactically, we'd need a lot to go wrong to lose this game

Gotta love you guys, where have Antrim pulled all these men mountains from in recent weeks?

Down aren't big, but they're not small either and showed glimpses of what they can do in the second half against Kildare.

Antrim will be favourites but if the bookies are offering a spread of 7 points, get your money on Down.

I'd say 7 points is a good shout, depends how Fitzy approaches the game with the team line outs

Both teams will be well up for it so there's that, being in Newry is better than Ballycran from an Antrim's perspective

JonnyD_ · March 13, 2026, 10:20:05 AM

men mountains we wish... what i meant was physically we'd be better shape than Down across the pitch

imtommygunn · March 13, 2026, 11:53:20 AM

I really hope he doesn't park the bus. Need to win this game - parking bus would quite frankly be pathetic.

knowbetter · March 17, 2026, 11:13:52 PM

As a down man I cant see us getting over the line with this match.

We have a decent team with everyone fit but have yet to put out the full squad this year. Quite a few players coming back from injuries but just not there yet.

Antrim have everything to play for to avoid regulation and essentially its too late for us, I doubt management will risk it and think they will put all focus on the joe McDonagh.

I hope I'm wrong but think this could be a bit of a dead rubber game.