14 February 2010
I am lost for words – well almost in terms of trying to do justice to the result tonight. Final score Antrim 2g – 13p Cavan 1g – 8p.
On a bitterly cold night in Cavan [one spectator commented that his car was registering minus 6 on the way in to the match] Antrim put on one of their finest second half displays to date. It has been emphasised here and elsewhere, often, that achievement is all about whole team effort and still further whole panel input. Tonight was such an occasion, in terms of Antrim achieving further spectacular success, against Cavan, in the National Football League?
In different circumstances Antrim could so easily have rolled back down hill, as we went into 2010. The temporary absence of key players, from St Galls, could and almost certainly would have demoralised Antrim Senior Footballers of old; positive mind set is an absolute imperative in any and all challenging situations. An outwardly un-phased Baker and his all important ‘back room team’ went into 2010 with a conviction that they would take the hit and redouble their efforts, in terms of raising the bar for existing players and try to heal the wounds by way of going back to the County for new recruits.
Such is the measure of the Manager and the shared trust and respect, amongst these lads that they have astounded some by proving that you cannot be beaten unless you lie down. Antrim senior footballers are coming of age; disciplined warriors ready and able to do battle for their County. Paddy Mc Neil, with his incessant and all but insatiable demands for peak fitness and rigorous disciplines, in all weathers, when combined with the unrivalled passion and tactical skills of Neill Conway, have demonstrated beyond all reasonable doubt that the three Musketeers can first prepare and then lead a new band of Antrim sporting warriors.
These Antrim lads are rapidly coming of age. They can now combine dedication and discipline with refined footballing skills and relentless determination, and are a credit to themselves and everything that they represent. In the first half of tonight’s match there was nothing between the sided. After 38 minutes of play both sides were all square at 1g - 6p each. Essentially as each score was notched up it was matched with an opposing reply and it was essentially anyone’s game going in for the break.
‘’Not good enough’’ can be a colourful expression in a dressing room and it was evident that both teams had a word in their respective ears at half time from less than satisfied Managers. However, Antrim having worked hard to cultivate the ability to dig deep and notwithstanding a fierce attack from Cavan, at the opening of the second half, quickly settled to put on a display of pure footballing skill and determination that is arguably unrivalled to date. On principle I don’t like to pick out players, for fear of upsetting or offending others, by way of my subjective comment but I am sure I will be forgiven for stating that these lads were absolutely brilliant tonight and then adding that James Loughry was an inspiration. We were strong in defence, when it mattered, we were in charge of midfield and for the scoring – it was just sweet.
Coming back down to earth, this is just a journey, not a destination, but Antrim has not had such honed talent on display, within a senior team, coupled with such team spirit and discipline for a very long time. Supporters were cheated in truth, due to the distance from home, on this, a cold frosty night but for those who battled the elements it might as well have been mid July. A brilliant night’s work - well done lads. Just to add the cream to my bun, my youngest daughter, Rosie, announced her engagement when I came in tonight, to Ivan Lavery [Jun] – after 9 years ‘courtin’. What a night to remember. Lawrence Smyth. County PRO
