10 May 2011
A captain reflects - and looks forward
As preparation for the Ulster Championship opener V Donegal come to a head, I caught up with Antrim captain Kevin O’Boyle earlier this week. How has the squad shaping up following a disappointing league campaign?
“The squad is shaping up well, maybe even surprisingly well, considering the league results and the injuries that affected us during the league. Everyone has had some game time in the last few weeks as well as very intensive training. Most of the lads have played with their clubs too and that helps keep everyone sharp. Nothing beats games and we had a lot of boys coming back from injury, games are just what they needed.”
Kevin was one of the heroes of Ballybofey two years ago and I wondered whether that game would have any impact on this weekend.
“It's always nice to look back and they are nice memories to have but that’s in the past now. It’s the 15th May 2011 that counts and that’s where our focus is.” I put a simple question to the Antrim captain and the response is immediate: “Can we win the match?” “Of course we can.”
A smile came to Kevin’s face when I asked him if we might expect a point from corner back, just like you know when. “I don’t mind if all the scores come from the full forward line, the half forward line or wherever as long as we win the match, but you never know, maybe a wee jaunt up the line is on the cards!”
Brendan Mulgrew
