Daily Mirror (Northern Ireland)
Mcmanus: Antrim a bad Case
NEIL MCMANUS fears he will never play in Casement Park again and says by the time the stadium is finally rebuilt, a whole generation of Antrim players won’t feel like it’s home any more.
The Saffrons are back in Division 1B of the Allianz Hurling League and start the campaign against defending League and All-ireland champions Galway on Sunday boasting Tipperary’s 2010 All-ireland winning manager Liam Sheedy in their corner.
It’s a good time to be hurling for Antrim, but the captain rapped: “Most of our players haven’t even played in Casement, never mind (against) the All-ireland champions.
“They haven’t built up that affinity with west Belfast or the warmth and character of the people. That is a real shame.
“We’re so long without a home the younger boys won’t feel like they’re back home by the time it ever happens.”
Antrim left Casement in 2012 being told it would be ready for the start of the 2016 League.
After years of controversy, an application for planning permission was resubmitted last February – more than two years after the approval for the original design was overturned in a High Court legal challenge.
Mcmanus said: “I’d never have believed I’d never be back, but I believe it now.”
Antrim will play their home League games this season in Cushendall, Mcmanus’ home club with Tipperary hero Sheedy in their corner.
“Liam thinks he can make Antrim a stronger team and one capable of being in Division One.
“He has an honesty about him and reminds me of Sambo (Mcnaughton), his raw passion for hurling is leaping out of his skin.
“We’ve talked about the teams of the 80s and 90s long enough - we need to have a team that is capable of being competitive with all the teams in Ireland and give the next generation something to aspire to.”