11 June 2009
Our Antrim Senior Football team is going into battle in Ballybofey on Sunday, against Donegal; they are under no illusions as to the magnitude of that task; neither are they intimidated by the prospect.
Donegal might well have the comforting notion that this first round Championship home draw should be a relatively soft task but that said the Antrim squad have worked hard under Liam Bradley and his capable and dedicated back up team; they are well prepared, both physically and mentally.
Whilst for many, little might be expected from Antrim, deep down that is certainly not the case for ‘Baker’ and his team. The venue and the occasion might seem daunting, to some, given that Donegal have, on paper, a much stronger pedigree than Antrim.
But, and there is always a ‘but’; this is a battle between two newly prepared teams and history is of little consequence or consolation. For Antrim, this new battle can and must be won on the day.
Within Antrim there is, for many Gaels a deep longing for that first sign of a long awaited breakthrough, one which would serve to lift both the hearts and minds of the faithful. It will take a supreme team effort on Sunday, to take our county onwards an upwards.
This young Antrim team are now well galvanised into a cohesive and determined unit; they are capable and can do it. Mind sets must be resolute, determination instinctive and a laser focus maintained until the last whistle blows; there must be no place for ‘if only’ following on from this testing day.
This is like any other Sunday game, except perhaps for the spoils – for some it may be a once in a lifetime opportunity, to achieve lasting honour and respect; seize that opportunity, during the short lifetime of that opportunity – it only comes with a win!
Lawrence Smyth County PRO.
