Antrim take vital stepping stone

THE Joe McDonagh Cup final wasn’t a classic but Antrim won’t mind. It’s all about winning and getting back up to the Liam MacCarthy Cup. We’re a level below that again in Offaly in the Christy Ring and didn’t win it, so each step is vital along the way.

I went down to pitchside for a part of the game and Antrim were so much more physically imposing than Kerry. They have some huge men as well and they’ll need them going up a level.

The game wasn’t a classic but nerves seemed to play a part in that. They played some great hurling en route to the final and scored some savage goals.

Of course it’s going to be a big step up but I do think they’ve improved a lot. Being back in Division 1 is also huge for hurling in Antrim. Added to that is the Casement Park redevelopment, as they attempt to tap into big areas of population.

I’ve written about Neil McManus before. He’s a warrior. I’ve seen him so many times in action and he’s good enough to play on any team. Look at how he was organising things when he came on. The passion and hunger were so evident. He’s such an articulate and decent guy when you hear him speak and I was delighted to see Antrim hurling have its moment.

Winning a Joe McDonagh or a Christy Ring should mean a lot. That’s something we need to understand in Offaly. We’re hanging on memories from 20 years ago now, that last AllIreland final appearance.

Those Cups are the stepping stones back to the top.

Looking forward to Liam MacCarthy Cup action in 2021 is a proud moment for Antrim.