28 June 2012
The build-up to this weekend’s qualifier games has been low key within the Antrim camp, perhaps deliberately so. The hurlers are supposedly no hopers against Limerick while the footballers will get little credit from the Dublin media if they overcome London in Ruislip.
It is unfortunate that not only do the games effectively clash – while the hurlers throw in at 3pm, just as the footballers are wrapping up – but both are away from home at venues which are far from easily accessed.
The comings and goings within the Antrim hurling camp are well documented but the fact is that the squad has trained well and with a clear focus over the last few weeks and with Jim Nelson at the helm followers can be assured that they will be travelling to Limerick with more on their mind than taking in the scenery. Limerick will be clear favourites and maybe they have their eye on the next round already. Wouldn’t it be great if Saturday turned into one of those days when Antrim hurlers, individually and collectively, play to their maximum and above, and upset and defy the odds? Who is to say it won’t happen.
Of our two teams the footballers look to have the better chance of progressing but one thing for sure is that Liam Bradley and co will not be taking London for granted. London have a stronger team now on account of the economy and mainland teams travelling to Ruislip can no longer take the exiles for granted. Just ask Leitrim who just about escaped in their Connaught Championship first round, or Fermanagh, who didn’t make it at this stage last year.
However Antrim are at a different level than Leitrim and the 2011 vintage Ernemen. Following the Monaghan defeat last month the players went back to their clubs for a handful of league games and over the last 3 weeks they have been hard at training again – all with London on their minds. Had the game been in Casement we would be very firm favourites.
Flying to London makes it logistically more difficulty but the team is fit, focussed and training / playing with an intensity which should be enough.
