Antrim have long struggled as the poor relations in Ulster football, but this season a number of young players, including Michael McCann, will be striving to change all that, as he tells
Paddy Heaney...
If Michael McCann represents the youthful future of Antrim football then the county’s fortunes should soon be on the up.
Unlike the rest of his team-mates, the Cargin clubman has tasted success at All-Ireland level. He was full-forward on the St Patrick’s, Maghera team that won the Hogan Cup in 2003.
His Maghera team-mates Mark Lynch, Gerard O’Kane and Liam Hinphey have since become regulars in the Derry senior team. McCann’s star has been slower to rise, but it now seems set to shine.
Interviewing the 22-year-old is a cinch. He is spontaneous and carefree. When asked a question, he answers it, showing no signs of the clipped caution that turns so many of these conversations into teeth-pulling exercises.
Yet, it would be a serious error to draw any parallels between McCann’s easy-going manner and his character as a footballer. Behind the amiable exterior lies a committed and ambitious individual.
Both Antrim manager Jody Gormley and his selector Joe Brolly will readily testify to McCann’s ability as a first-rate footballer. But talent isn’t everything.
It’s McCann’s dedication to self-improvement that has really impressed Gormley.
At six foot one-and-a-half, the Hogan Cup medallist has the height to play midfield. However, his light frame and lack of power was exposed when he came up against Wicklow’s Thomas Walsh in last year’s Tommy Murphy Cup final.
Since then, Gormley has given McCann a weights programme which the player has followed religiously. The recently qualified quantity surveyor has put on a stone and he is already beginning to reap the benefits from those hours spent in the gym.
He was Antrim’s best player in the Dr McKenna Cup. Playing at centre half-forward, he scored 0-4 (0-1 free, 0-1 45) against Queen’s, 0-4 against Monaghan and 0-5 (0-1 free) against Cavan.
McCann’s assessment of his displays was as follows: “I was happy enough, but I probably could have done better.’’
It’s a typical McCann response. He neither crucifies himself nor gets lost in the clouds.
Observers have noted that McCann was superb in all three McKenna Cup outings. His free-taking and fielding drew particular praise, although it’s noteworthy that McCann believes he can still do better.
It’s also interesting that while his move to centre half-forward has led to more scores, he still believes his future lies in another jersey.
“Jody wanted me to push up the field a bit more because we were getting caught back in our defence.
“He said he wanted to stay up and get a few scores. It seems to be working, but it’s not all down to me.
“It’s just the way the we are playing. Personally, I would want to be playing midfield. I think it is my strongest position, but I’d play anywhere.
“At the minute, I am centre half-forward and I enjoying it because I can get into midfield for a few catches and get forward too.’’
Given that CJ McGourty and Paddy Cunningham are recuperating from injuries it can be assumed that McCann will be keeping the number 11 shirt. Due to the loss of the team’s top scorers, McCann’s marksmanship will be needed to offset the absence of the two sharpshooters.
Of course, scoring hasn’t been a problem for Antrim. A tally of 13 points wins the vast majority of gaelic football matches. In last year’s League, Antrim scored 1-10 against Wicklow, 1-11 against Meath, 1-10 against Wexford, 0-15 against Cavan and 0-14 against Sligo – and lost every single game.
When the league ended Jody Gormley placed a huge emphasis on improving the team’s defensive record. The new defensive system was in place for last year’s Championship encounter against Derry. The trouble was Gormley didn’t have the players who could implement it.
The run to the Tommy Murphy Cup final provided Gormley with a useful education and provided hope to his players. And following the extended summer, there is now evidence Antrim can launch a genuine bid for promotion.
The once generous defence has started to become more miserly. In two challenge games against St Mary’s and UUJ, and the three McKenna Cup outings, they conceded just one goal.
“Jody has been trying to clamp down on the goals,’’ said McCann. “A lot of his training has centred on tackling and closing down space.
“To be fair, you can go through games being lucky. But in those five games, there has only been about two goal chances. The goal against Monaghan probably was illegal, but that is making excuses.’’
While the Antrim half-forwards and midfielders have now been encouraged to track back, it is the introduction of new players that has provided the greatest boost to the Saffron cause.
Paul Doherty has taken command of the full-back position, while Andy McClean is a more than capable deputy.
McClean, Terry O’Neill, Sean Kelly, Kevin McGourty and Michael Magill were absent for either all or some of last season. Now they’re back in the fold following a full pre-season of training.
Last year, Antrim won just two of their seven League games. Michael McCann believes that they can improve on that record in 2008.
“On paper there is a lot more experience in the camp. Michael Magill is back and he has trained hard over the winter. He has showed up well for us.
“The likes of Sean Kelly and Kevin McGourty have been the around the block and they should come good.
“There is a feeling that we are starting to build a team and that we are heading in the right direction.’’
Offaly, Wicklow, Clare and Carlow will provide the main obstacle to Antrim’s promotion bid.
The common perception is that Offaly will win the Division while it will be a mass scramble for other promotion slot.
Michael McCann is anticipating a close-run battle. “Offaly is probably the big team this year. They are going to be tough to shift.
“It will be competitive. I don’t think anybody will run away with it. I think it will be a good solid League. Whoever gets out of it will deserve to get out of it.’’
It’s a pragmatic reply from such a young player. Perhaps this blend of youth and pragmatism that can prove the difference for Antrim in 2008.
THE CAPTAIN
CAPTAIN: Sean Kelly (St. Gall's) The 25-year-old takes over the armband from Ciaran Close. Kelly was based in England last year where he was training to be a teacher and subsequently missed the bulk of the 2007 season.
He returned late in the summer and played a starring role in the Tommy Murphy Cup semi-final against Clare. His lack of conditioning was exposed when he started in the final against Wicklow.
A full autumn of training with the St Gall’s side that reached the Ulster final has helped Kelly to recover some of his razor sharp fitness.
Jody Gormley has yet to find a custodian for the number six jersey and it will probably be a choice between Kelly and Justin Crozier.
The Cargin lad is just 20 years old and could benefit from a few more seasons on the wing. Kelly played at number six for St Gall’s.
Although not the tightest of markers, Kelly is a very intelligent footballer who is a good distributor, particularly from free-kicks. He has the ability to excel as the team captain because he is an excellent communicator and an effective organiser.
THE VERDICT
Antrim’s biggest weakness is inexperience. The last second goal they conceded to Wicklow in the Tommy Murphy Cup final provides evidence of their youthful naivety.
Leading by a single point, Antrim allowed Wicklow to move the ball the entire length of pitch. There are schoolboy teams that would have shown greater cynicism. But Antrim allowed Wicklow to play ball and the ball ended up in the back of Sean McGreevy’s net. Game Over. Wicklow 3-13 Antrim 1-17.
By this stage, Antrim should have learned their lesson. Following last season they will certainly have realised that goals win and lose games. The constant leaking of goals sabotaged their hopes of promotion and they must improve this aspect of their game if they are to experience any change in fortune.
Recent results indicate that the work done in designing a new defensive system is coming to fruition. In their last five fixtures they have conceded just one goal so the early signs are encouraging.
If Antrim learn to defend, then they have grounds for optimism. They have a flood of young, energetic and committed players who have the talent to gain promotion from Division Four.
But to do so, they must overcome the legacy left by decades of failure and learn to grind out victories in places like Aughrim and Clonmel.
Boylesports bookmakers rate them as 7/2 shots to win Division Four. It could be worth a punt.
2007 NFL SQUAD
A McClean, J Loughrey, B Hasson, J Crozier, C Close, A Gallagher, C Totton, M Pollock, C Murray, K Brady, E O’Neill, G Crossey, J Quinn, J Finucane, K McGourty, L Carland, M Dougan, M Magill, M McCann, S Burke, G Bell, P Close, P Conlon, P Doherty, S Kelly, S McGreevy, S McVeigh, T O’Neill, T Convery, T Scullion, T McCann, K Niblock, P Cunningham, K O’Boyle.
YOUNG ONES TO WATCH
Although just 20 years old it can be assumed that Rasharkin’s Benny Hasson will experience some game time for the Saffrons this season.
When his 6ft 5in frame gets motoring, he can cover the grass at breakneck speed.
When the Saffron squad trained on New Year’s Day at the Mary Peters’ Track, he won the 200 metre sprints by a distance.
That incredible energy and power would be welcomed by his midfield partner Joe Quinn.
Hasson (left) recently suffered a hairline fracture to a bone in his hand but he is expected to be back in action for the start of the National League.
Conor Murray (Lamh Dhearg) and Gerard Crossey (St Enda’s) should also feature in the NFL.
Murray (below) is an adept sharpshooter and he could have a role to play given that CJ McGourty and Paddy Cunningham are currently on the long-term injury list.
Despite his tender years, Gerard Crossey carries immense power and he has proven adept at wing-forward.
Tommy Murphy Cup results
June 30, preliminary round, (Nowlan Park): Antrim 3-32 Kilkenny 1-0
July 7, first round, (Ruislip):
London 1-10 Antrim 4-11
July 14, semi-final, (Cusack Park):
Clare 0-10 Antrim 1-11
August 4, final, (Croke Park):
Wicklow 3-13 Antrim 1-17 (aet)
National Football League
Division Four
Sunday February 3: Wicklow (a)
Saturday February 9: Kilkenny (h)
Saturday February 16: Clare (a)
Saturday March 1: Offaly (h)
Saturday March 15: Carlow (h)
Sunday March 30: London (a)
Sunday April 6: Tipperary (a)
Sunday April 13: bye
Sunday April 20: Waterford (h)
Ulster SFC
Preliminary round, May 18: v Cavan (Casement Park)
Laid back McCann ready for Saffrons’ NFL task
If Michael McCann represents the youthful future of Antrim football then the county’s fortunes should soon be on the up.
The 25-year-old takes over the armband from Ciaran Close. Kelly was based in England last year where he was training to be a teacher and subsequently missed the bulk of the 2007 season.
Antrim
Armagh
Cavan
Derry
Donegal
Down
Fermanagh
Monaghan
Tyrone
