08 March 2012
Jerry Wallace wants his Antrim hurling team to be competitive in all the games they play, including this Sunday away to Clare. Speaking to the Antrim website this evening he said that Cusack Park is one of the hardest places to travel to play a game.
“Whatever team travels to play in Cusack Park will get a tough time. We know that and that is the same for whatever county you are with. It will be no different for Antrim. We have games over the next four weeks, with the next two away from home. Clare is the furthest we have to travel in the league so this is probably going to be the hardest league match of all.
"If at the end of 70 minutes our players have their heads held high, and we have been competitive right throughout the pitch, then I’ll be happy with that and we’ll see if that gets us anything out of the match.”
Jerry was pleased with the opening win over Wexford and he acknowledges that his approach to the league is different from what has gone before.
“We want to be involved at the business end of this league, looking for a top spot in the division but we know that is difficult, that there are hard teams around us, and that the league is very competitive. I am very pleased with the attitude and the commitment shown by players. The management team sees it in training and I hope the fans saw that in the Wexford game.”
Jerry Wallace’s commitment to the Antrim cause is undeniable and he clearly has a confidence in the squad of players he has assembled. They travel to Clare with our hopes, and no little sense of determination to leave a mark on the game. We wish them well.
Sad note
On a sad note Jerry was anxious to pass on his sympathy to the family of Nuala Vallely who died this afternoon. “I met Nuala many times over the years since coming to Casement with Cork and subsequently in my roles with the Antrim. On behalf of the management team, the players and everyone associated with the Antrim hurling squad I want to pass on our deepest sympathy.”
That sentiment was echoed earlier this evening by football manager Liam Bradley, on behalf of the football squad and management.
