Antrim Football Thread

[NatSoSaff]

A clip of the Carlow goal from play is on their social media page. It's concerning how much McCabe and Finnegan struggled to track their men in that build-up. Hopefully it's just a case of bedding into a new team structure and learning a few harsh lessons in the first round. We may need to bed down for a couple of seasons in the basement division however.

Can someone 'in the know' let us know what the issue is with Johnston, McQuillan, Healy, Hand, Tomas Mccann, Ruairi Mccann, Loughran, T McCormick, Boyle, Hynds, P Finnegan etc etc etc etc etc. Are they all injured/ or carrying injuries, or is it a case for some of just not being fancied by the new management? I'm not knocking the team that was lined out yesterday, but in terms of options and depth there didn't seem to be many of those names featuring (or featuring long enough).

[NorthAntrimSaff]

Wasn't able to attend but just watched a highlights section of all the Carlow scores. Why have we stood back and let them kick from the arc under no pressure. Some of that defending is awful and will beat nobody

[ck]

Carlow were worthy winners. Were better set up and very much up for it. Deserved their win.
Antrim sat far too deep and allowed Carlow waltz through midfield unopposed time and time again.
I had Jordan down as being finished from McKenna Cup games but he proved that wrong yesterday. Without him it could have been a heavy defeat, he carried the fight.

[Round or stuffed]

is there any more clarity on who is in what division after tonights meeting

[Na Glinntí Glasa]

Heard that the clubs passed that U16/18/20 games can be played at 11 a side?

I dont know the details as i only heard from someone who at the meeting briefly this morning

[NAG1]

Heard that the clubs passed that U16/18/20 games can be played at 11 a side?

I dont know the details as i only heard from someone who at the meeting briefly this morning

11 a side is getting ridiculous on a full size pitch.

[BigGreenField]

Heard that the clubs passed that U16/18/20 games can be played at 11 a side?

I dont know the details as i only heard from someone who at the meeting briefly this morning

11 a side is getting ridiculous on a full size pitch.

I'm presuming the message is if you can't field with 11, do you really have a team and should amalgamate.

Would in theory stop teams pulling a game because 2 or 3 strong players aren't available.

Actual 11 a side would be a bit mad Ted, particularly if one team can change their entire team at half time with fresh legs.

[Na Glinntí Glasa]

It seems that the clubs all voted in favour of this but ill have a chat with them later to find out more detail about it.

Hurling starting 4/5 April, Football 13/14 March. Minor still on a sunday and U16 during the week - same as last year

Edit. not sure about the U20 (or is it U21?) as its only championship

[Na Glinntí Glasa]

Seems the general idea was that they want clubs to be able to play at underage league games if they are limited for a night with lower numbers rather than not fielding in the game.

Doesn't do much for the other team who maybe has 7/8 subs who sit there and do nothing potentially for a game.

It is only league as championship is 15-a-side and clubs don't have to field any lower than that to suit another side with low numbers.

It isn't uncommon for some teams to field with 13 in games and it happens in camogie as well for underage games.

Again its of no benefit to clubs with decent numbers who see players miss out. 

[NorthAntrimSaff]

Seems the general idea was that they want clubs to be able to play at underage league games if they are limited for a night with lower numbers rather than not fielding in the game.

Doesn't do much for the other team who maybe has 7/8 subs who sit there and do nothing potentially for a game.

It is only league as championship is 15-a-side and clubs don't have to field any lower than that to suit another side with low numbers.

It isn't uncommon for some teams to field with 13 in games and it happens in camogie as well for underage games.

Again its of no benefit to clubs with decent numbers who see players miss out. 

11 aside with a team making 6 subs is a hell of a lot better than a team conceding a game and the 22 starters plus subs getting nothing

[Spike]

Which or how many clubs in each divisional board are regularly affected by lack of numbers that would force 11-a-side games?

If this is an ongoing problem then we need to restructure things for the betterment of the clubs and the county.

Divisional boards appear to have lost their voice.  Perhaps a focus group within each would lead to some original thinking and restructures of competitions and juvenile competitions.

[bannside]

I see what youre trying to do there Spike, lol.

[Spike]

Really not trying anything lol

Despite our best intentions we consistently fail to raise underage standards to the appropriate levels in our development squads.  well intentioned managers appear to be out of their depth or succumb to using it to get fellow club players on. the system appears broken.

Time for a new one as this isn't working for Antrim.  Despite repeated efforts we have not been able to raise the standards of junior and intermediate teams never mind our senior teams.

[delgany]

A minimum of 11 - a - side applies to U16, U18 & Reserve Football, to ensure fixtures are completed in league.
Unlimited subs as well.
Independent teams (amalgamation) to only use club names.

[SaffronSports]

It's a difficult situation and I've been on both ends of it. I remember going to camogie matches with 24/25 girls and playing teams who only had 12 or 13 then on the other hand I have coached ladies football teams and went to matches with 12/13 girls. TBH, it's very difficult as you're going in on a full size pitch with less players, no subs to keep it fresh and generally ended up losing those matches but I tried to come with the approach that just getting to test themselves in matches against other teams was of more benefit that endless training sessions.