Could it be that the antrim team is falling back because of the rise of the saffron footballers? Just a thought. I went on the HS antrim page and there's not a lot of discussion about the hurlers at all. Before last year it was all about the hurlers.
Still, great result for laois. They've come on well.

Markymark (Laois) - Posts: 644 - 14/03/2010 18:34:17    587769

I wouldn't want to suggest Laois beat us because we are regressing. Certainly, players who could play in either code seem to be leaning more towards the footballers, but thats not a good enough excuse. Organisation within the county has been a bit ramshackle and there has been precious little progress at grades like minor and U21 to suggest that there is a lot of talent that isn't failing to make it through. Antrim Co Board need to wake up the state of hurling in the county and there needs to be better strategic planning and resourcing if the hurlers are going to go anywhere. In comparison, the current age profile and performances of the footballers suggests that it is not unrealistic to see them progress much further if they keep developing and get into Division I in the next 3-4 years, challenge for (and win) an Ulster title and possibly (but not probably) even an All-Ireland. That might seem optimistic, but I can't see the hurlers getting to Division I in the next 2-3 years and a Liam McCarthy is as far away as ever.

pearsesabu (Antrim) - Posts: 663 - 14/03/2010 20:01:06    587871

I think Antrim hurlers fell back because the management insisted on building for the future and discarded the experience.

Well, the future is now here but Antrim are not. The like of Willie hyland, Neil foyle and healy were toying with Antrim today, and Tommy Fitzgerald had a field day.

Mind you. the Antrim manager left some players on for the entire game when it was obvious after 5 minutes that they were not at the races today.

But I was very impressed with the level of skill Laois displayed.

patrique (Antrim) - Posts: 13709 - 14/03/2010 20:18:39    587896

I think self-belief is a real problem at this level. Antrim might have been playing with 14 men for most of yesterdays match but we gave away 2 early goals and, regardless of that, Laois have been putting performances together reasonably consistently since last the end of last season. Antrim's chances of promotion are gone, unless they can take the two points off Clare next Sunday, which doesn't look a possibility on our current form. The depressing thing for Laois, Clare or Wexford is that there is only one promotion place. But what sort of momentum and motivation will either Clare, Laois or Wexford be able to sustain in the face a further season, or seasons, in Division II?

pearsesabu (Antrim) - Posts: 663 - 15/03/2010 14:35:43    588518