Antrim fans can be secret weapon in Tailteann Cup quest: Dermot McAleese
The Saffrons had shown promise that they might have made an impact in the competition before now but since its inception three years ago the trophy has gone to Westmeath, Meath and Down.
Little wonder, then, that Antrim's hunger for silverware has intensified of late given that they have flattered to deceive.
Right now, though, McAleese believes that it is time for the Saffrons to rise to the occasion against a London side that is equally keen to create a good impression.
While a number of sides are still blooding comparatively new faces in their line-ups, Antrim can lean on a battery of seasoned campaigners with McAleese himself, Patrick McBride, Marc Jordan, Dominic McEnhill, Ruairi McCann, Eunan Walsh, Ryan Murray and Michael Byrne among players who are more than capable of giving a lead.
McAleese was disappointed to see his side lose to Armagh in the Ulster Championship but believes they can rise to the challenge this time out.
'I think if we get a good swell of support we can make progress,' maintains McAleese.
London, like their hosts, will hope to create an impact and are likely to look to Stephen Dornan, Tighe Barry, Cahir Healy, Daniel Clarke and Aidan McLaughlin in this connection.
Fermanagh, too, will be in search of a boost when they face Wexford in the Tailteann Cup at Croke Park (1.45pm) prior to the Dublin v Armagh All-Ireland Group 4 shoot-out.
Erne County boss Kieran Donnelly is hopeful that his side can transform some of their recent League form to the Tailteann Cup. Indeed, Fermanagh have shown a sharp appetite for action lately and Fionan O'Brien, Garvan Jones, Ultan Kelm, Declan McCusker and Conor Love can boost the team's chances of victory.
Hashtags
Try Our AI Features
Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:
Comments
No comments yet...
Related Articles
Belfast Telegraph
7 hours ago
- Belfast Telegraph
Fermanagh keen to make Croke Park a second home and earn spot in Tailteann Cup decider
There is a possibility that the Fermanagh football team could find a new temporary home in Croke Park. Having disposed of the challenge of Wexford there, Kieran Donnelly's side are chomping at the bit to cross swords with Kildare in the Semi-Final of the Tailteann Cup on Sunday (4pm).
BBC News
8 hours ago
- BBC News
Sligo sign Glentoran defender McClean for undisclosed fee
League of Ireland side Sligo Rovers have signed Glentoran defender Patrick McClean for an undisclosed 28-year-old has signed an 18-month deal with Sligo, returning to the club he had a brief spell at in made 27 appearances during his previous time with the club, scoring joined the Glens from Derry City in 2019 and announced his retirement from football in February 2023 before returning to the sport five months total he made 199 appearances for the east Belfast side, scored 15 goals and was part of the side that won the Irish Cup in Crusaders have signed striker Adam Brooks from Queen of the 21-year-old scored 10 goals last season as the club finished third in the Scottish League Dylan Boyle has signed a multi-year contract extension at Coleraine after an impressive first season with the Bannsiders after arriving from Ballymena United last summer.
BBC News
9 hours ago
- BBC News
Limerick win 'one of the best days Dublin have had'
Dublin forward Cian O'Sullivan said their shock 2-24 to 0-28 All-Ireland quarter-final win against Limerick is "up there with one of the best days we've ever had as a group".Despite playing the majority of the game with 14 men after captain Chris Crummey's 15th-minute red card, the Dubs recorded a famous win as they reached the All-Ireland semi-finals for the first time since 2013.O'Sullivan, who scored Dublin's second goal, praised his side's dogged display in their victory."Credit to the lads, 14 men for 55 minutes what more could you ask for, never mind beating Limerick the best team down through the last 10 years," he told BBC Sport NI."Out there it felt like the final whistle couldn't have come soon enough, they got a chance towards the end and had a pop at goal, but we kept it out. We kept them at arm's length, and everyone left it out there."Dubs boss Niall O Ceallachain added that he "knew" his side were capable of causing an upset against Limerick, something they will look to do again in the last four against Cork on 5 July, which can be watched live on the BBC. "We probably felt we weren't as far off this as the outside noise thought we were," he said."There isn't the level of respect to Dublin hurling which should be given at times, but we haven't earned that so days like today are really important." Whilst it was a glorious day for Dublin, it was another disappointing afternoon for Limerick, whose Munster reign was ended by Cork earlier this boss John Kiely admitted his side simply failed to get going at Croke Park, despite their numerical advantage."I think in every department you have to say Dublin had the edge on us, they were just sharper on the breaking ball, better on their own restarts, better on our restarts and better in front of goal," he admitted. "Everything was sticking and there's no reason I can put my finger on; you have to say hats off to Dublin they played very well and deserved to win the match."For us it's disappointing our season ends like this, but we have to accept this, we were beaten by a better team."
