Football

Antrim hurling heroes deserve a helping hand

ON the subject of U21s, i cannot let this column pass without congratulating the Antrim U21 hurlers on reaching their All-ireland final.

Anyone who says they saw their semi-final victory over Wexford coming is requested to provide evidence in the form of a Tweet, an email, or a betting slip.

The scale of the achievement isn't just indicated by the fact that they are the first Ulster team to reach this particular decider.

The most remarkable aspect of their win is that it followed All-ireland semi-final defeats in the past two seasons by 26- and 28-point margins.

Also mind-boggling is that senior manager Kevin Ryan only took charge of the young saffrons shortly before the Ulster U21 Championship last month.

Factor in that turn-outs at training and even availability for matches, including saturday's semi-final, were adversely affected by conflicts with club fixtures, in both football and hurling, and it's obvious that Ryan and his assistants Neil McManus and Barry McFall inspired a minor miracle - or at least an U21 miracle.

The management team and the players involved have clearly already done their county proud with their efforts so far.

Let's hope that the county board and the clubs will now also do their utmost to help the U21 hurlers in their preparations for this final.