25 May 2011
If the minor footballers representing Antrim were something of an unknown quantity when they took the field against Donegal in the preliminary round of the Ulster Championship, they had laid down a marker for the campaign by the end of that game. In truth Antrim dominated for about 75% of the game and only for some very favourable refereeing towards the home side kept them in touch in the second half. It was a powerful display from the young saffrons and while a couple of players may have caught the eye, it was the team ethic and collective work rate which was most notable.
Joint manager Danny O’Neill was not in the least surprised that it was Antrim who booked a slot in the first round proper this weekend.
“We prepared to win that game and as the day approached the management team and players were 100% convinced we were going to win. We believe in every one of these players. They already have the talent, what they have added now is hard work, and that’s a powerful combination. The victory of Donegal was built on the strength of the squad. We used 19 players that day and from number 1 to 25 all of these fellas can and will do a job for Antrim.”
The Antrim minor squad offered a very bright spot on an otherwise bleak day for Antrim followers in Ballybofey two weeks ago. They deserve every support as they seek to take another step towards an Ulster Final this Sunday. The game is in Newry at 7pm.
Brendan Mulgrew
