07 July 2009
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.
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