USFC Final Antrim v Tyrone Clones 19th July

[OverThePostsAWide]

And how come the quotes are appearing like that?

Because you and Rois typed inside the closing "[/quote]" tag?

[A Quinn Martin Production]

Didn't think I did...maybe I got over excited

[A Quinn Martin Production]

OK since out and out abuse hasn't revived the thread I'll try some analysis. 

There's one main reason I don't think Antrim can win this match.  So far we have scored 1-10 against a complacent Donegal and 0-13 against an average Cavan side.  OK had we been a bit sharper in front of the posts we might have scored 0-16 or so but even so I don't think even 0-16 (or 2-10 etc) will be enough to beat Tyrone.  I think we'll do well to get a dozen points against Tyrone and reckon that should leave us 5 or 6 short.  Also Tyrone seem hell bent on winning Ulster this year no matter who they are playing.

For Antrim it'll be the same tactics as the previous two games.  Keep it tight in the first half, take your scoring opportunities, still be in touch after 50 mins and then see what happens.

On the plus side for Antrim as I've said before our half back line is turning into a pretty tasty unit and don't be surprised to see us do well at midfield where Gallagher and McKeever have been impressive.  Also Paddy Cunningham has yet to sizzle from play...could the final be his opportunity?? 

And finally didn't Offaly win Leinster from Div 4 about 10-12 years ago...beating the reigning All Ireland Champions??

[OverThePostsAWide]

OK since out and out abuse hasn't revived the thread I'll try some analysis. 

There's one main reason I don't think Antrim can win this match.  So far we have scored 1-10 against a complacent Donegal and 0-13 against an average Cavan side.  OK had we been a bit sharper in front of the posts we might have scored 0-16 or so but even so I don't think even 0-16 (or 2-10 etc) will be enough to beat Tyrone.  I think we'll do well to get a dozen points against Tyrone and reckon that should leave us 5 or 6 short.  Also Tyrone seem hell bent on winning Ulster this year no matter who they are playing.

For Antrim it'll be the same tactics as the previous two games.  Keep it tight in the first half, take your scoring opportunities, still be in touch after 50 mins and then see what happens.

On the plus side for Antrim as I've said before our half back line is turining into a pretty tasty unit and don't be surprised to see us do well at midfield where Gallagher and McKeever have been impressive.  Also Paddy Cunningham has yet to sizzle from play...could the final be his opportunity?? 

And finally didn't Offally win Leinster from Div 4 about 10-12 years ago...beat Meath in a replay??

I'm telling you Antrim 3-6 Tyrone 1-11!! They'll need a bit of luck, but it's coming 
(Cunningham, McCann and Close will each poach goals, Tyrone will get a soft penalty)

Limerick were relegated to Div 4 this year and were a kick of the ball (and a referee's call) from beating a Cork team who were oustanding in their recent matches and many people's favourite for the AI. Tyrone haven't really been tested yet.

[EC Unique]

Great to be in an Ulster Final when our neighbours in Armagh and Derry are all falling out with each other. Great time to be a Tyrone fan.

[aontroim]

Aontroim Abú

Shamless bump to get this thread back on the first page!  It would appear that the Antrim clubs will receive all the tickets they requested as there is now a general sale note on the county website.

[ziggysego]

My poor deluded sister-in-law reckons that Antrim will walk all over Tyrone 

[tyronefan]

cant see Antrim scoring more than 10 points against the Tyrone defence, they definitely wont get the time and space they got against Donegal and Cavan

Tyrone will post up between 15 -20 points. Antrim dont have enough good players to stop the Tyrone half backs, half forwards and full forwards from attacking.

[longball]

Joe McMahon looks like he is out so u'd imagine tyrone team will be

Devine

Ricey
Justin
Quinn

Harte
Gormley
Jordan

Hub
McGinley

Dooher
Tommy
Penfold

O'Neill
Cavanagh
Mulligan

[glens abu]

Press night:
A breath of fresh air is now running the length and breadth of Antrim, bringing old and new Gaels out of the woodwork everywhere; this is good – real good; in fact this is great and so long awaited. There are saffron jerseys appearing everywhere and villages bedecked with Antrim flags; it truly is a sight to behold. What is remarkable is that this has come almost out of the blue – almost!

For six long months a Panel Antrim Senior Footballers have undergone a rigorous and punishing schedule of tough training and they willingly accepted a strict code of hard discipline. Not all survived but those who did have already distinguished themselves beyond all expectations. This has to be one of the most remarkable turn arounds in Gaa history.

Truth told, few believed it possible but without belief this transformation could not have been achieved. There are so many lessons here that it is difficult to even begin to articulate them. Those who came in numbers to Creggan Kickams last night, to watch the Panel work out and meet with the players could only have been impressed. Arguably they watched the most motivated, fit and focused Senior Gaa Panel in Ulster at this point in time.

What happens on the 19th of July is yet to come and cannot be known. What can be known and is of great significance is the fact that Antrim have now created a 'brand' of football that is second to none. They have shape, they have speed, they have skill and they have hunger and tenacity. Most of all perhaps, to their credit they have great team discipline. As each competitive match takes its course they quietly grow in confidence and once again that is not to be confused with arrogance.

The Press were there in their numbers last night and rightly so. This is a new and very refreshing success story within Gaa. The grey days of being the butt of joke and ridicule are not far behind but they are well buried under a mound of good news and a truly remarkable transformation. The focus is at last accentuated on the positive and this in itself serves to motivate. As a general rule nothing comes from negativity but further gloom and predictable misery for all. Life is too short to waste on unforced misery. Look for the positive and it can and will be found in almost all situations.

As for the ensuing encounter with Tyrone, these lads are well prepared. Both Antrim and Tyrone now have strong points in their armour. The difference on the day could boil down to resolve and resilience. Tyrone will not want to be humiliated and that may be taken as a given, whilst Antrim lads are still coming good and growing in stature with the experience of each tough match. Tyrone however has been there and it is hard to maintain the intense focus to stay on top.

Again, such is the beauty of GAA that there is always a space to insert a wedge and apply further pressure. Antrim have at last found space to insert a new and sharper wedge; in doing so they have driven back both Donegal and Cavan, making more space for further growth. Can Tyrone contain them? At worst they should put Tyrone to the pin of their collar and given half a chance the Antrim lads, all fired up and fit, will yet again upset the apple cart and why not?

This could be one epic battle. What ever the case get out with them and enjoy this moment. Your support uplifts the Antrim lads and will serve to balance the books in Clones, against a county renowned for its Gaa support. Our day has come at last!

Lawrence Smyth
Antrim County PRO.           

[No way ref]

keep taking the tablets Lawrence

[Rois]

I hope Mickey has invented some way of dealing with this new brand of football!!  Not quite sure what it is, and I didn't see anything too revolutionary in Clones over a week ago but hopefully Mickey has had the scouts out.

[ziggysego]

In truth in the rumours that the Tyrone Minors are starting this game?

[glens abu]

you Tyrone boys starting to sound a wee bit arrogant just like your Derry friends.

[tyrone86]

Press night:
A breath of fresh air is now running the length and breadth of Antrim, bringing old and new Gaels out of the woodwork everywhere; this is good – real good; in fact this is great and so long awaited. There are saffron jerseys appearing everywhere and villages bedecked with Antrim flags; it truly is a sight to behold. What is remarkable is that this has come almost out of the blue – almost!

For six long months a Panel Antrim Senior Footballers have undergone a rigorous and punishing schedule of tough training and they willingly accepted a strict code of hard discipline. Not all survived but those who did have already distinguished themselves beyond all expectations. This has to be one of the most remarkable turn arounds in Gaa history.

Truth told, few believed it possible but without belief this transformation could not have been achieved. There are so many lessons here that it is difficult to even begin to articulate them. Those who came in numbers to Creggan Kickams last night, to watch the Panel work out and meet with the players could only have been impressed. Arguably they watched the most motivated, fit and focused Senior Gaa Panel in Ulster at this point in time.

What happens on the 19th of July is yet to come and cannot be known. What can be known and is of great significance is the fact that Antrim have now created a 'brand' of football that is second to none. They have shape, they have speed, they have skill and they have hunger and tenacity. Most of all perhaps, to their credit they have great team discipline. As each competitive match takes its course they quietly grow in confidence and once again that is not to be confused with arrogance.

The Press were there in their numbers last night and rightly so. This is a new and very refreshing success story within Gaa. The grey days of being the butt of joke and ridicule are not far behind but they are well buried under a mound of good news and a truly remarkable transformation. The focus is at last accentuated on the positive and this in itself serves to motivate. As a general rule nothing comes from negativity but further gloom and predictable misery for all. Life is too short to waste on unforced misery. Look for the positive and it can and will be found in almost all situations.

As for the ensuing encounter with Tyrone, these lads are well prepared. Both Antrim and Tyrone now have strong points in their armour. The difference on the day could boil down to resolve and resilience. Tyrone will not want to be humiliated and that may be taken as a given, whilst Antrim lads are still coming good and growing in stature with the experience of each tough match. Tyrone however has been there and it is hard to maintain the intense focus to stay on top.

Again, such is the beauty of GAA that there is always a space to insert a wedge and apply further pressure. Antrim have at last found space to insert a new and sharper wedge; in doing so they have driven back both Donegal and Cavan, making more space for further growth. Can Tyrone contain them? At worst they should put Tyrone to the pin of their collar and given half a chance the Antrim lads, all fired up and fit, will yet again upset the apple cart and why not?

This could be one epic battle. What ever the case get out with them and enjoy this moment. Your support uplifts the Antrim lads and will serve to balance the books in Clones, against a county renowned for its Gaa support. Our day has come at last!

Lawrence Smyth
Antrim County PRO.           

Good stuff, the build up has been low key and here we get a bit of inspired and heartfelt fighting talk. However, I wait in anticipation on the wisdom of Saffron Sam and his thoughts on the upcoming game, which should ameliorate Lawrence's effort.