DESPITE being relegated to Division Three this season, Antrim ‘keeper Chris Kerr still rates Ulster Championship opponents Down as a “class” team with a forward line that deserves immense respect.
Speaking ahead of Saturday night’s quarter-final clash in Newry, Kerr also acknowledged the inside knowledge Antrim’s former joint manager and current Down coach Gearoid Adams carries into the tie.
“Down are a class side, especially with Gearoid in there with them, they’ll know us inside out,” said Kerr.
“Down through the years they have been a notorious Championship team. They were Ulster finalists last year and they probably have the best club team in Ulster in Kilcoo. And they play a good brand of football.
“Donal O’Hare is still a class act and [Connaire] Harrison ripped a lot of full-backs out by the root last year, top full-backs too.
“It’s going to be a big challenge for us, but why not? We’re not going for two hours travelling; it’s down the road on a Saturday night and we’re looking forward to it.”
Antrim are without regular midfielder Sean Burke (groin) while CJ McGourty was dropped from the panel after the side’s last NFL game against Limerick.
Lenny Harbinson, in his first year as Antrim manager, has ran with a smaller squad this season and Kerr believes it has benefited the players.
“Before we could have had a squad of 35 or 36 and there would have been boys not playing any minutes, whereas Lenny has come in with the idea of having a squad of 28 where everyone is capable of coming in and playing and playing the way he wants us to play.
“Everyone knows what’s expected of them and he’s drilled that into us since October/November. He’s been relentless. He’s demanding. And if you don’t do what he wants you to do you’ll not play. He puts a lot into our game plans; it’s structured and professional.”
