LONG-SERVING Antrim hurler Neil McManus has described the grant aid directed towards weaker hurling counties as 'like throwing a cocktail sausage into the sea', suggesting that his county 'need millions' in reality.
McManus is currently preparing for today's AIB All-Ireland club hurling semi-final clash with Sarsfields in Navan but took time out to consider the county scene which he's been part of since the mid-2000s.
The Saffrons memorably beat Dublin in the Championship in 2010 but since then the fortunes of both counties have gone in opposite directions.
Dublin, with the benefit of major financial investment in the last decade, are now an established Division 1 force while Antrim suffered a disastrous relegation to Division 2 in 2015.
Antrim is among a list of hurling counties that receives EUR50,000 in funding each year, as part of an overall EUR1m investment over five years.
But McManus said that it is a drop in the ocean compared to what is actually required to elevate Antrim to the top level.
Asked if the money, which equates to around £40,000, is making any difference, attacker McManus shook his head.
"The 40 grand? No, it's like throwing a cocktail sausage into the sea," said McManus. "Sure 40 grand isn't a lot of money to pay a hurling coach for the year, that's the truth.
"It certainly does no harm but I don't think we're going to see any massive difference out of that money. What is the sponsorship for bigger teams, Kerry Group for Kerry or whatever it is with Dublin (AIG), I'm sure those deals are worth more than 40 grand for the year?
"They (Antrim) need millions. They need to sort out Casement Park, number one. They're making good progress with the centre of excellence for Antrim hurling and football. That's a must as well because those things drive players.
"Even when you go to one of the university set ups in Dublin, UCD or DCU, it looks like a professional set-up. Players want to buy into that, players want to be part of that and it creates a dynamic where players want to play for Dublin hurling. Antrim need to do that."
Regardless of the outcome in today's club semi-final, McManus won't be involved with Antrim this year as he plans to travel throughout Asia, Australia and America for around six months.
When suggested that he could easily be having the same conversation in 10 years time about Antrim lagging behind their rivals, McManus shrugged.
"I don't know," he said. "The whole county board has changed. A group has come together, Saffron Vision. We would have high hopes for them. But it takes so much more than a group of 12 people on a committee. It's definitely going to take a few years.
"A lot hinges on Casement. Growing up, to play in Casement was unbelievable. I got to play in Casement at half-time in the '99 county final and it was amazing. I'll never forget it. It was Croke Park for us.
"Ulster hurling was more competitive then too. An Ulster title got you into an All-Ireland semi-final or quarter-final. All those things helped too. Look, there's no quick fix, that's the bottom line."
