10 May 2010
Antrim Senior Football Team spent a memorable weekend in Johnstown House hotel, in County Meath, and at outset, emphatically no, this was not a holiday break or perk but by contrast it was a structured working weekend, which was hugely beneficial and where the clear focus of mentors was upon essential team bonding and essential mental preparation for the forthcoming Championship season.
Antrim players have good reason to prepare and increasingly as they continue to grow in stature, they will further appreciate the correlation between that sustained hard work and the just rewards attendant with inordinate effort. The success of the senior football team, over two seasons, has earned back to back league promotions. And yes, to those cynics, they had two regrettable hiccups, losing out not once but twice on silverware, which with a little more experience could well have been theirs for the taking.
Yesterday is gone and lessons have certainly been learned; the best is yet to come. Tyrone have a head start for sure and they have dined out on their achievements to date but Antrim too have come a long way in a short period of time and hunger is after all the mother of all sauces; in itself a very strong motivator.
Within Antrim we too now have our fair share of experienced players, some with outstanding natural ability, who can compete with the best on any given day. Just as importantly we are continuing to cultivate a dedicated panel of players who appreciate the significance of team work and the honour that comes with being privileged to play in their County colours with a pride in the jersey; honest team players, in a determined mood, will deter even the most skilled or competent; the clear message of success is self belief. Believe, believe and believe yet again; then see it come to pass.
At stake is the opportunity of a lifetime and it can only be seized during the lifetime of that opportunity. All spoils go to the victors and we now have a team capable of taking those spoils. This is a journey and the first shaky steps are a done deal. It is time to go further forward. All eyes are on this Antrim Panel. Both management and backup support are sound; as good as it comes. Support is increasing and all are willing you on. This weekend workout was a disciplined and structured affair. Two more weeks to focus on the next round of a task that is entirely doable. A lifetime of respect amongst Irish Gaels is the reward.