Charge of the Galls

First off, mighty congratulations to Naomh Gall GLC. Their's was a wonderful achievement yesterday, the All Ireland win the result of a generation of hard work and committment. It was a skilful and determined display and the truth was they were never really bothered by Kilmurry IBrickane. Followers of the Saffron county will now wonder what positive impact the return of the St Galls players can have on a county team alerady in the middle of the most successful league campaign in two decades.

Ten of the St Galls team yesterday have, at one time or another, worn the saffron jersey of the Antrim football team in the past, seven of them were regulars in last season's run through the Ulster Championship and the qualifier defeat to Kerry. The question of the McGourty brothers and their return or otherwise to the county team is as yet, in public anyhow, unresoved. In interviews with two different Sunday papers Kevin and CJ have spoken in varying terms of their desire to return to county colours. Both are undoubted talents and have the potential to play key roles in the omngoing Antrim revival. It seems clear that Sean Kelly will return, having opted out last season, and we can expect Aodhan Gallagher, Andy McClean, Terry O'Neil, Kevin Niblock and team captain Colin Brady to take up the county mantle in coming weeks. Indeed for my money yesterday Paul Veronica was the star St Galls performer and he too could be looking at a county call up.

It is an issue which is not straightforward for Liam Bradley. We have been well served by the team to date and there would be a strong argument that the current squad should see out the natinoal league campaign, secure promotion and then re-group, Milltown men included, for the championship.

At the same time though it is a squad game, and while Antrim have been fortunate so far on the injury front, Michael Magill will have to be replaced for the next two games, and surely Kevin Niblock would be an ideal alternative in full forward? That issue sums up how best to regard the addition of the St Galls lads. Their return opens up options literally in every section of the outfield, and while a headache for Baker and co, it is a very positive issue to grapple with.

In games against Fermanagh and Roscommon Conor Murray and Kevin Brady have been amongst the subs used, and they have had an important say in those victories. That depth of talent available to Antrim is just about to get much, much deeper.

Our hurlers take on Clare on Sunday at Casement, on the back of a disappointing outing against Laois last week. They too will be boosted by the return of Karl Stewart and Kieran McGourty who will significantly stregthen the hurling panel.

This writer will be in Tullamore on Sunday and providing regular updates via www.twitter.com/clubaontroma.