05 June 2009
Come what may, in Dublin on Sunday, Antrim Senior Hurlers are not going down to Dublin for a Sunday outing. On paper, Dublin might well be running out as the favorites but they will still have to beat Antrim on the day and that is unlikely to prove to be an easy task.
Within and throughout County Antrim, we have some exceptionally talented hurlers and along with that, a tenacious and competitive spirit, which should test Dublin on the day. As ‘under-dogs’ we have the opportunity to go out with all guns blazing and then to keep attacking and firing with a ferocity that will give hurling fans and fraternity something to talk about.
This is a chance to prove that, injuries notwithstanding, a team which ‘digs deep’, in a time of perceived or known difficulty, can somehow find that added strength, which in turn can unnerve and disarm an otherwise overly confident opponent. History is littered with such evidence and for that reason alone Antrim lads should hold their heads high and ‘go at’ Dublin with a very real and sustained determination.
This is also an opportunity for ‘bench players,’ to prove their real worth, and they most of all perhaps, should make every second count, seizing that proffered opportunity to prove, not least to themselves, that they can and they will demonstrate that, when needed , they can find what it takes, to eliminate any perception of team weakness, in consequence of injury.
Defeating Dublin is a real challenge but as with any open competition it can be done and why not – Bookies and pundits alike can and invariably do get it wrong, frequently. It would also be something else to upset the applecart and further prove the true potential of Antrim Senior Hurlers. Go for it.
Lawrence Smyth County PRO.
