Scullion hoping Antrim can extend run

By Shaun Casey

AFTER picking up three wins from three in the opening rounds of the National League, Antrim’s joint-manager Chris Scullion says his side are hoping to carry that momentum into round four and the remainder of their games.

The Saffrons have already chalked up victories against Kilkenny, Sligo and Fermanagh, all away from home, and now they take on the challenge of Longford in their first home tie of the 2025 campaign.

It’s the first of three home games in a row for Antrim before they travel to Derry on the final day of the league and Scullion, who manages the team alongside Michael Devlin, is looking forward to playing in front of a home crowd.

“It’ll be good to get the home games, we’ve been on the road these last couple of weeks, so it’ll be good to get in front of some of our home fans and just have a home base as well for the next couple of games,” said Scullion ahead of the game.

“We always try to do our research as best we can and try to prepare the girls based on the opposition. We know they had a tight game last week against Fermanagh, I think in the second half Longford actually outscored Fermanagh.

“We played Fermanagh in our last game and that was a tough one so if Longford were able to do that against Fermanagh, they’re obviously not a bad side. They have quality players there and it’ll be a tough game for us but one we’re looking forward to.”

Scullion and Devlin are in their first seasons in charge of the Antrim ladies and have enjoyed the journey so far. While the project is a “work in progress”, getting wins on the board only enhances the positivity around the group.

While they have made a stunning start to the season and sit at the top of the Division Four league table, promotion certainly isn’t guaranteed just yet and Antrim have their eyes firmly fixed on a last-four spot.

“There was always a bit of excitement around getting started and preseason had gone well too,” added Scullion. “They’re starting to grasp our instructions and tactics and as much as we are a work in progress, it’s always good to see results.

“Myself and Mickey sat down at the start of the year and we saw there was going to be a period of rebuilding, and we were happy to see how the league went. We’re aiming to win every game and any competition that we’re in – we want to do as best we can.

“At the moment it’s looking good but there’s still four tough games to go. Our aim would be a semi-final spot and if we get to that stage, that’s great and then we can take it from there.”