It’s all about a performance for Antrim after venue saga ends

ANTRIM’S full focus is now on taking on All-Ireland champions Armagh in Corrigan Park next month.

It comes after Monday’s Ulster GAA U-turn to fix their Ulster Championship clash for Corrigan Park on Sunday, April 12.

Antrim were drawn out first but the game was then fixed for Páirc Esler before the Ulster CCC met on Monday night.

“It’s nice to have a definitive answer, it’s nice to park that and it’s not something we have to worry about,” McEntee said at the Ulster Championship launch.

“We have clarification, we know when we are playing, we know where we are playing and we have got to try and prepare as best we can.”

The Saffrons are going in as underdogs and on the back their relegation to Division Four after Sunday’s defeat in Kildare, with Sligo – as expected – seeing off an already relegated Leitrim.

“Nobody is expecting anything other than an Armagh victory and I can understand that, McEntee said.

“In a way, you could say it is a free shot. It’s not really, I spoke to the players about this yesterday (Sunday).”

Statement from Antrim GAA in regard to our Ulster Championship fixture with Armagh. pic.twitter.com/r5hsAMjHlQ

— Antrim GAA (@AontroimGAA) March 25, 2025

After making the stance and fighting for the right to play at home, they must perform.

“There is always pressure to perform,” he added. “We always put pressure on ourselves to perform.

“The fact it is Armagh, if you don’t perform, you know what is going to happen

“We have maybe backed ourselves into a corner because if you don’t back up your words with actions, you are letting yourself down to a certain extent.

“There is a little bit of pressure and the only pressure is to perform to your best.”

While Antrim take on Armagh, the championship begins a week earlier when champions Donegal welcome Derry to Ballybofey.

Check out next week’s Gaelic Life for an extensive look ahead to the Ulster Championship.