06 January 2010
Antrim Senior Football - 2010.
The first training session of 2010 took place at Kickams, Creggan on Tuesday evening in what might best be described as arctic conditions. Kickams, Creggan, 3G pitch had been cleared of snow earlier in the day and was otherwise the only option available to permit outdoor training. Team spirits were high and morale good, notwithstanding the fact that only the absence of [guard towers] and SS uniforms distinguished the sounds and the winter scene from a Nazi POW Camp. [Thats me back in the excrement] :]
For those supporters of the saffron it can be said that this senior panel set about and sustained a gruelling pace throughout a schedule of relentless and physically demanding manoeuvres, over a period of some one and a half hours, which in itself made a very clear and unequivocal statement of intent. The acceptance of rigid self-discipline and adherence to a personalised exercise programme of training during the past two months, where team training is otherwise not permitted under rule, was clearly in evidence. These lads were pre-prepared and essentially they were hitting the ground running.
I stuck my neck out at this point last year and I¡¦ll stick it out again this year. Antrim has the talent, the hunger and the leadership; watch this space. Many of these lads have grown in confidence and earned respect as of right. Understandably there have been necessary changes and the St Galls contingent are on a separate mission, for the time being; to bring home an all Ireland Club Title. All evidence now points to this event coming to pass. Competition for the honour of wearing a saffron jersey is now arguably at an all time high within our county; that was surely overdue and all too long awaited.
Inclement weather notwithstanding, a few keen GAA supporters travelled a distance and turned up to watch the spectacle. They were suitably impressed, [that is an understatement] by the clear evidence of commitment and dedication shown by this panel. It would perhaps be good to remember, when within earshot or perhaps even tempted to shout obscenities or otherwise show vulgar disapproval on occasions, when errors might occur on the field of play, just how much these lads are prepared to sacrifice, in their sustained determination to bring honour to both themselves and their county. Give them your continuing encouragement and support; they well deserve it.
Lawrence Smyth County PRO.
