01 May 2012
The 2012 Ulster Championship was launched this evening at a packed Titanic Belfast centre, with the help of Ulster Chairman Aoghan O’ Fearghail, GAA Director General Padraic Duffy and managers and players from all 9 Ulster counties. Also there was Sports Minister Caral Ni Chuilin MLA and I caught up with the north Belfast gael to get her take on the prospects for a Saffron Summer.
“Will you be in Clones on the 27th May?”
“Absolutely. In fact I will be leaving the SF ard fheis early to get to Clones on time. As Aoghan said everyone starts out with hopes and dreams and I think Antrim can beat Monaghan.”
Caral is a Casement Park regular and I asked her what had impressed her during Antrim’s league run?
“There are reasons to be optimistic. I see the hard work that goes on across the county and the dedication. We have good players and in the league we won more matches than we lost. We have to have faith in the team and in the management and I do. ”
The Minister explained where the Ulster Championship sits on her sporting priorities.
“I love the Ulster Championship. Croke Park is great too of course but nothing beats a big match in the Ulster Championship and I wouldn’t miss an Ulster Final. In fact when you think about Casement in the future wouldn’t it be great to see those crowds and that Fleadh type atmosphere in our own city on Ulster Final day?”
Even better with Antrim back in the final I suggested?
“Even better. That is my dream, Antrim in an Ulster football final in Casement and it is going to happen. Always have faith in Antrim.”
Caral revealed her own families split loyalties when it comes to the club scene.
“Despite my husband’s age he still won’t hang up the boots so he plays for Ardoyne Kickhams while my kids and grandkids all turn out for the Pearses. Split loyalty at club level but everyone gets behind Antrim.”
