Whilst the Tommy Murphy Cup might not be held in high esteem by some and be a subject of ridicule for more than a few others, it is nevertheless a trophy of honour that had to be won on the field of play. Tommy Murphy, during his playing career, won eight Laois Senior medals and various Railway Cup medals for Leinster during the late 1930s and 1940s; he was a household name. This is therefore a GAA trophy in memory of a great sportsman and in this alone it should merit respect. Like the cup itself the Antrim lads have been all too often in the firing line, with some harsh and vitriolic criticism; on occasions personalised, undignified and unwarranted. The Antrim squad took their many knocks on the chin and battled on against the odds; Jody was given backup with continuing support from those remaining players and from new faces introduced. The players were consistent and played well, as a team, in the semi-final against London. On this final occasion the team rallied, after a shaky start. They kept their focus and delivered; they deserve all credit for showing grit and determination. This too was the tonic that Antrim County needed Antrim played at their level of capability and gave their fans what they wanted; a chance to cheer them on and off the field of play and to say well done lads. The fact is that there is still much work to do but winning this cup was a benchmark and will certainly provide a timely and much needed morale boost. This win was, for Antrim, a good experience and the encouragement that they needed to boost their self belief. Well done to the Antrim lads one and all; this was your day; a 'whole team effort'. This was the result needed, the job was truly well done, so to hell with the begrudgers; plough onwards and upwards lads. Lawrence Smyth PRO. Tweet

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