Tailteann Cup quarter-final
Antrim v Carlow (Sunday, Corrigan Park, 1pm)
ANTRIM shot-stopper Michael Byrne has called on the county’s fanbase to get out in force this weekend and support their county in the quarter-final of the Tailteann Cup.
Having topped their group with three wins from three against Leitrim, Wexford and Fermanagh, the prize for Andy McEntee’s side is home advantage in tomorrow’s last-eight clash against Carlow.
The O’Donovan Rossa clubman believes that playing in Corrigan Park is “huge” and that the Antrim support can help push the hosts across the finishing line.
“Playing at home is huge,” said Byrne.
“I really hope that the Antrim people are coming out to support us, we’re really hoping for it. It’s obviously going to be a really tough game so for any extra support that could come out, it would be great for us.”
Another benefit of finishing top of their group and securing a quarter-final spot at the first time of asking was the week’s break, but Byrne insists the advantage of a week with no game won’t be known until after tomorrow’s encounter with Carlow.
“I think to be honest it probably is hard to say but for us it’s definitely been a plus. You get the extra time to get players back or for players to take a bit of time off and get the body ready to go.
“Obviously, Carlow have been playing a few weeks in-a-row, it’s their third week on Sunday and they’re playing well. It’s hard to know until we play the game, but I think for us, it’s a plus,” added the Antrim netminder.
Byrne was between the sticks last season when Antrim fell at the first hurdle of the Tailteann Cup, losing to Leitrim 2-14 to 1-12 in the first round to see their summer come to a premature close.
But playing ball in the glowing sunshine and getting those extra few weeks training together have been huge benefits of the Tailteann Cup that lesser lights such as Antrim wouldn’t have enjoyed in years gone by.
“I’m really enjoying it to be honest,” he added.
“The season for us has probably been a wee bit up and down, but the Tailteann Cup has given us a chance now to be consistent. We have three wins on the bounce, but I think just to have the opportunity to still be together in June is great.
“We’re still training when the sun is out, it’s a great opportunity for us and I think it’s exactly what every player is trying to get, as many games in the summer as possible to try and improve and close the gap on the bigger teams.”
While it could all come to an end tomorrow, Byrne claims Antrim have been focusing on themselves throughout the competition.
While they’re aware of the obstacle that Carlow present, Antrim believe that if they deliver a big performance then they can make their way to the semi-finals.
“Our big thing is our own game, but we know that Carlow pose a serious threat,” he said.
“They have some serious forwards like Darragh Foley who’s had quite a good campaign so far. Every team has players that you need to try and keep quiet.
“We’re going to concentrate on that, but for us we’ve really been focusing on our own performance. That’s the way we’ve looked at the whole Tailteann Cup.
“If we focus on ourselves and try to be the best Antrim team that we can be and give the best performance that we can give then we’ll not be too far away.”
