ANTRIM will run out at Croke Park on Saturday as unarguably clear favourites to lift the Division Four title.
Joint-managers Frank Fitzsimons and Gearoid Adams oversaw an unbeaten run over the course of seven league outings and there is every reason to believe they can make it league win number seven.
Only Wexford bettered them in terms of scores registered in Division Four, but the Saffrons conceded 21 points less.
In addition, Antrim, impressively, only conceded one goal in their seven games, with Chris Kerr’s goal being breached inside two minutes against Wicklow.
They played Saturday’s opponents in their last league game on April 3. That game, with both teams already promoted and through to the decider, had an element of what Fitzsimons has called “shadow boxing” about it.
That was understandable, but the team’s desire not to be beaten - Tomas McCann levelled matters with an injury-time point - spoke volumes for what Fitzsimons and Adams are trying to achieve.
That stubbornness is the hallmark of winners and, once that tenacity is engendered in a group of players, it will not let them down in tight corners.
It has also been notable that the Antrim players are in superb physical condition. They are clearly being coached well and getting the best fitness training available.
Their aggression has been a feature too - indeed, Wexford manager David Power claimed that, in the Corrigan Park clash in February, this went too far.
For Fitzsimons, though, this is part and parcel of Gaelic football and he defended his team robustly: “You see when somebody is talking about you like that, that suits us,” he insisted.
“I think we got a bit of stick from the Carlow and then the Wexford game but, listen, I don’t think we’re dirty. It’s Gaelic football - you’re going to get hit hard and [you also] hit hard. Everybody can judge us on Saturday night.”
That they certainly will and what they should see is an Antrim team that is fairly laced with talent. A glance at the players who have featured so far forms an impressive list.
From Kerr in goals to the likes of Kevin O’Boyle, Justin Crozier, James Laverty and Conor Burke in defence and, up front, the McCann brothers Michael and Tomas, Kevin Niblock, Niall McKeever, Brian Neeson, Patrick McBride and Paddy McAleer.
The Murrays, Ryan and Conor, and the Johnstons, Ricky and Martin, together with others such as Sean McVeigh and Mark Sweeneuy are also all quality performers.
There have, in addition, been impressive contributions from younger players such as Matthew Fitzpatrick of St John’s and Dermot McAleese of Portglenone.
Another player to catch the eye is John Carron from reigning county champions Cargin. He is a player who has been around the county scene for a few years but, with sterling performances for his club in the middle of the park last year, is now starting to look more established.
Not that Carron is taking anything for granted. When it is suggested to him that he and Niall McKeever might make a formidable midfield pairing, he quickly quips: “If they pick me!”
He gave an insight into what being around the Antrim camp is like at present: “Things are going well at the minute,” he said.
“[We are] going hard at training and it is very enjoyable, so we are looking forward to this game. Going unbeaten is a massive thing. It is definitely a good stat to have. There’s a good vibe around the camp when you’re going unbeaten.
“There last year, we were on a sort of a disappointing run - these men have come in and changed things up and it has definitely made for a real different atmosphere. We have been going down and getting wins in these tough places. Places we weren’t getting them last year.
“It gets a good positive atmosphere coming up to training as opposed to coming when you weren’t doing as well last year. I have definitely been enjoying it in midfield - it’s where I would prefer to be. It’s very tight for competition up there - there are maybe four or five men chomping at the bit for one position.
“Definitely, it helps things - you are going out to training and there are men knocking seven bells out of each other to get at it.”
Saturday is certain to be another tough and bruising encounter against a team Fitzsimons has described as a “very big, strong side”.
There is quality in the Louth ranks too, with players such as Ryan Burns, James Califf, Conor Grimes, Declan Byrne, Jim McEneaney, James Stewart and Derek Maguire all talented performers.
Manager Colin Kelly has practically everyone available to him bar captain Adrian Reid, who is a long-term absentee.
Although the Antrim management would probably concede that the team, in terms of getting them playing to a system, is a work in progress, strides are obviously being made.
This group of players is clearly committed and capable and they can win a well-earned trophy this afternoon.
PATHS TO THE FINAL
ANTRIM
Carlow 0-10 Antrim 1-12; Antrim 1-8 Wexford 0-7; Antrim 2-14 Leitrim 0-10; London 0-11 Antrim 1-11; Antrim 1-16 Waterford 0-6; Wicklow 1-12 Antrim 2-13; Antrim 0-12 Louth 1-9
LOUTH
Louth 2-9 London 0-9; Waterford 1-9 Louth 1-10; Louth 0-15 Wicklow 1-2; Leitrim 0-16 Louth 2-9; Carlow 1-7 Louth 2-17; Louth 0-13 Wexford 0-11; Antrim 0-12 Louth 1-9
