20 January 2011
Antrim hurling manager Dinny Cahill was in a positive mood when speaking with the Antrim website earlier today. He looked back on Sunday’s opening Walsh Cup win over Westmeath and glanced ahead at what 2011 might bring for the hurlers.
“The win was very encouraging. We threw in a number of younger players and it is clear to see that some of them have the potential to become serious inter county hurlers in time. Remember that we are without both Loughgiel and St Johns players at the moment, but that gives other a chance, and the management team was very pleased with how they performed. They have bonded well with the more established guys and that is good for Antrim.
“Dublin are up next and that will be a tough game – especially since we are under strength. But at this stage of the season it is about getting games under our belt before the league and championship. “
It is well known that Dinny has in the past played down the importance of league hurling. What will the approach be in 2011?
“At the end of the day it is summer hurling that matters most. But, the way the leagues have been divided there are a number of very good teams in Division 2 so of course we will be taking it seriously. There will be some very high standard hurling played in Division 2. Our home games against Limerick, Clare and Carlow are big matches, and we will use the Walsh Cup to help get us ready.”
Walsh Cup semi final, Dublin V Antrim, Parnell Park, Sunday 23rd January, 2pm.