May, you come back again

No disguising the fact that Saturday night was a disappointment to all those who follow Antrim. Yes, the main aim of the league campaign was achieved with something to spare and Antrim will compete in Division 2 of the NFL next year. However Saturday offered a chance of a national title and the promise of a night to remember at Croke Park. In the event we were soundly beaten by deserving Div 3 champions Sligo, on a night when too many Antrim players posted sub par performances.

On the day before the game one observor told me he was anxious about the Div 3 final because, as appropriate, all of Antrim's training was geared towards the 23rd May date V Tyrone. The fear was that too many consecutive heavy training sessions would result in a laden performance on the night. Whether that was a factor or not I don't know but it was clear that the pace which was a feature of earlier league performances wasn't on display on the night.

When it all comes down though, Saturday night's result will be a mere footnote in a league campaign which saw Antrim take a successive promotion and if everything falls into place against Tyrone then the Sligo match will be long forgotten. It should be pointed out also that Sligo played well on the night, very well. Some of their scores were pure quality and they will have plenty to say in the Connaught championship in June. Good luck to them.

The reaction in some quarters to the result and performance has been over the top. The Antrim players have not become poor gaelic footballers over night and when recounting the fact that three from the last four matches have been lost it is worth pointing out that against Offally we lost by 1 point while being severely hampererd by injury; against Wexford the promotion mission had already been accomplished. A team which goes from Division 4 to Division 2 is a quality outfit with sound management. Supporters should now put their trust in that management to correct what needs correcting and stay focussed on the main event - Tyrone on 23rd May.

The support in Croke Park was sizeable, passionate and vocal. So too the crowds at home games in this year's league. Same again next month - it's the least Antrim deserves.