19 July 2009
Disappointment aside, Ulster football wins, yet again, with the emergence of another very real contender in senior football. For most Gaa fans today a Tyrone win was the all too predictable outcome, of a match between two unequals. Against all of that, Antrim Senior Footballers have made a quantum leap forward and they have certainly endeared themselves to tens of thousands of new fans, from many counties throughout Ireland and from many exiles.
There were, as said elsewhere, only seventy minutes, in which to make or break this audacious challenge. Regrettably Antrim were slow at outset, seemingly affected by the big occasion, and precious minutes were in effect squandered. Tyrone was the team who came out flying, with all guns blazing. All too easily they found spaces and got their chances; and importantly took them, giving Tyrone that all important early lead. Psychologically this was the last thing Antrim needed.
For a time it appeared that Antrim were in deep trouble, as they chased in vain, to recover an opportunity already gone. However, and to their eternal credit, these lads had prepared well physically and would not lie down, not for Tyrone, not for anyone. Mental preparation and capacity for dealing with tough going is a different matter and otherwise a very personal issue; some people handle pressure better than others. There is however no shortcut for hard experience and mental toughness often improves greatly with exposure to pressure, real or felt.
Antrim rallied, giving up was never on their agenda. At half time with seven wides and five points scored, in reply to Tyrone’s one goal and eight points, it was still a difficult situation with all to do. After some very straight talking, [take this as a given] Bakers boys came out with a much improved sense of self worth. They literally opened up their armory and ran at Tyrone, tightening up their performance all around and played some tremendous competitive football, with real intent. The crowd rose to their new found courage and roared them on but it was alas too late.
Tyrone is in a league of their own in many ways. They have many years of hard won experience and quality coaching behind them. Antrim, when they recovered their composure and really got into this game, demonstrated that as Championship football goes, they too can play at pace. Now, with the experience of hindsight, Antrim can and most certainly will, not make the same mistake twice. Drawn against Kerry in the qualifiers, they have another opportunity of a lifetime; this time lessons will have been learned; the nerves should be steadied. They now know how important it is to use all of those seventy minutes.
Nothing can or should be taken from Tyrone. On the strength of today’s showing they are intent upon taking 'all' yet again, if let; it will take a great team to upset their ‘applecart’. All credit to both teams today; this was a great display of football, often fast and furious; always stylish and absolutely entertaining.
It also has to be said, for the record, that Antrim supporters were magnificent today. They applauded their team both on and off the pitch and that says it all. It was no shame to be beaten by Tyrone. in fact they did themselves proud today and gave everyone value for money.
Finally all credit to Tyrone supporters also, who openly and warmly applauded the Antrim Team as they arrived and left Clones by coach. This in itself was a very friendly and sporting gesture; although an unnamed wag suggested that it might be better being stoned out of Clones – for taking the Anglo Celt cup – maybe next time!
Lawrence Smyth County PRO
