16 May 2013
Antrim manager Kevin Ryan is definitely not taking Laois lightly ahead of this Saturday’s crucial Leinster Championship Round 1 clash at O’Moore Park at 7pm. He recognises that having achieved promotion to Division 1B, the midlanders represent a step up in challenge from preliminary round opponents Westmeath.
“Well, Laois beat Westmeath in a crucial tie to get promotion to Division 1B, and we had to work very hard to overcome the same opponents two weeks ago. We know they will have prepared very well, they are a strong, serious team so it will be very tough for us.
"In our last two important games, against Carlow and Westmeath, we have finished very strongly to win those games. I would like to see us cutting loose a bit earlier in the game. We have worked on our fitness as well as our hurling so we have prepared very well.”
It is clear that there is a new mood within the Antrim camp. How does the manager see the state of Antrim hurling now?
“We have made progress, people have taken their roles very seriously and they have worked very hard. There is a positive mood within the camp and training has gone very well. It is important that people in Antrim recognise the work which has gone on.
“People may not realise it but believe it or not, the support at these games is crucial. The players felt that at the last two games and I really hope there is a good Antrim support there on Saturday. At the same time though supporters should not have an unrealistic expectation level. We are not travelling down to Laois to beat them easily – that is absolutely off the agenda.
“We’ll be giving it everything against Laois and the more games we get this year the better. But whatever happens over the weekend and over this summer, this is a long term project.”
Antrim v Laois, Saturday 7pm, O’Moore Park, Portaloise.
