Gleeson explains secret to Antrim hurlers run

The secret to Antrim’s success this year is that the right people are in pulling for the county.

So said Darren Gleeson ahead of this weekend’s All-Ireland Joe McDonagh cup final.

Gleeson took over the full management reins of Antrim this year having previously been coach under Neal Peden. He explained that things have went to plan.

“I knew if we could get the people we wanted, and it is not just anyone, it is about getting the right people in. I knew if we got the right people in that we could start something.

“That is reflected in the league performances and the Joe McDonagh. All the players that have come in have contributed.”

One of the key points has been personnel. Antrim have won the league and reached the final despite being without Neil McManus for the latter stages of the season.

The Cushendall man has long been a crucial part of the set up, but this year has seen other players step up.

“Neil would be a starter in every county, but circumstances have kept him out with injury. So we will have to assess where he is.

“Neil is a talisman within the county. If he is fit to a play then it would be a brave decision not to play him. We will just have to look at his form in training. He has got lots of opportunities to prove that he is 100 percent right.

“We could have played Neil last weekend but it wasn’t the right time. The next seven to ten days will be a benefit for him.

“Neil will be available for selection on Sunday. As are all our injured players. We are happy with the way they are all progressing.”

What has been impressive about Antrim is the quality that they have a their disposal.

“When you look at the year everyone has made a contribution.

“Sometimes lads are on the bench for tactical reasons. Sometimes lads will be on the bench and their form hasn’t been good. It is for what we need on the day. The talent is there in Antrim, and even more than we have seen in the McDonagh cup.”

Antrim have maintained an unbeaten record since the league. They won four of their five matches, the only draw was against Offaly.

They beat Kerry by 2-20 to 2-14 in round five. And they beat them again in the final 2-23 to 2-20. McManus did play in round five back in March, but in October in the league final, Conal Cunning was top scorer with 0-10, while James McNaughton scored 1-5. Captain Conor McCann has also been a serious goal threat throughout the season as well.

The form from the final carried through to the Joe McDonagh cup, as they beat Westmeath, Kerry and Meath. Their only dropped points were in their draw with Carlow.

“The pressure was off us. I set a goal at the start of the year and that was to win the National League. With a goal comes a little bit of pressure. The Joe McDonagh wasn’t on the table till five minutes after the Kerry game (in the league).

“So they have had a bit of a cut a this. Carlow and Westmeath were the favourites and Antrim and Kerry were the middle ground. That’s where we were. So we had a free cut and that pressure being off allowed them to have a cut at it.”

One of the aspects that Gleeson has to control is the emotions of the players. The pressure is on them to deliver an All-Ireland title. They will only be able to do so if they are in the right frame of mind.

“We want to keep the routine going and arrive to the final in the best condition we can be.

“Occasions are for supporters, and families, and for guys in the press. For us the most important thing is the score line.

“ They just have to detach from the occasion. It is nice to have a fanfare around it, for the county. I think Antrim needs it. But for us it is just about the result.”

Antrim have played Kerry three times this season and that might have a bearing. Yet the thing is they know each other so well, and that is a factor.

“It breeds contempt, but there is a fair bit of respect as well. I wouldn’t have known a lot about Kerry hurling before I came up here. I see what they are about. They are a real capable side. They are representing an area of north Kerry where hurling is really popular, and this means a lot to them. Kerry people are well used to going to Croke Park for All-Ireland finals days. They won/t be found wanting on the day.”

Gleeson was wary of making any grand predictions about how the game will pan out.

He said: “Finals can take a life of their own, it could be something that no one has planned that could work out for you.

“We will take the credit if it works out for us.”

Joe McDonagh Cup final

Antrim v Kerry

Sunday. Croke Park, 1.30pm