Antrim’s 2024: From a changing face to a plan for change

1 Changing faces

AFTER Darren Gleeson’s decision to step down as Antrim senior hurling manager, the Saffron County didn’t waste any time appointing his successor.

They went for Davy Fitzgerald and they got him. It was the biggest name they could’ve possibly enticed to take over.

Within weeks he was delving into the club scene and the question will be if he can talk Neil McManus – his Performance Coach – to make a return to his playing days after retirement. The Cushendall man was one of the best hurlers on show during the summer.

Fitzgerald brings a wealth of experience from his playing and management days but his high-profile appointment will give the county a chance to build on what Darren Gleeson had done. He was a tough act to follow.

2 Carey Faughs end their wait

CAREY Faughs ended a 20-year gap to win the Ulster Intermediate Championship but they did it the hard way.

Speaking before the Ulster final win over Swatragh, manager Eddie McCloskey spoke about the tight corners they were in during the season.

After seeing the lads dig in during the pre-season games, he knew there was a team that would go to the well. Any of the games they lost, were by a point.

The Antrim Championship was a minefield in the group stages with Carey unsure of qualification on the last weekend.

Their success was backed up by needing a penalty shootout to see off Éire Óg and their battle with Swatragh was no different. It was a gutsy defensive display that did the trick after a slick opening.

Off the field, they had a tough spell with young Joe Hegarty and James Black passing away. Their victory offered some solace to the community.

3 A tough one to take

IT will be a tough winter for the camogs of Loughgiel after their gut-wrenching defeat at the hands of Sarsfields in the All-Ireland semi-final.

The Shamrocks are genuine contenders for the biggest prize. There can be no doubt about that.

They have two ace finishers in Róisín McCormick and Caitrín Dobbin who would get on any team anywhere in the land.

Beyond that, they’ve a solid team with a club that is fanatic about camogie and hurling.

After winning through in Antrim and Ulster, they tore into Sarsfields with an exciting brand of camogie to put them in the box seat.

Then came the Galway comeback to win by a point to leave Loughgiel gazing into the abyss wondering if their day will ever come. They’ve just to go and grab it.

4 Footballers miss out on final spot

THE Saffron senior footballers were again under the watch of Andy McEntee but after a promising campaign, they came up short against Laois in the final of the Tailteann Cup. It came after another season that saw them bogged in the middle of Division Three. Back-to-back wins over Limerick and Offaly had them looking towards the promotion race.

A defeat at the hands of Down started a slide before they pulled on the brakes to avoid being sucked into the relegation mire. Looking into a new season, McEntee will be able to call on Conor Stewart after an impressive campaign for All Saints after injury. With Paddy McAleer looking like someone he can build a direct kicking game under the new rules.

On the club front, Cargin were again the top team in the county but will have regrets after not laying a glove on Errigal Ciaran. Ronan Devlin is back as manager next season with Portglenone also hoping to go one better than last season’s county final appearance.

5 Planning for the future

ANTRIM GAA unveiled a new five-year Strategic Plan. Le Chéile le hAghaidh 2030, a vision for the future that celebrates unity, ambition, and the rich heritage of Gaelic Games in the county.

After consultation with all the major stakeholders, players, coaches, volunteers, and communities, it outlines a pathway toward growth and success.

Antrim are commited to enhancing club resources, supporting leadership development, and preserving the county’s proud cultural identity, ensuring Gaelic Games remain central to life in Antrim. It identifies clear outcomes across leadership, infrastructure, player and volunteer development, and cultural promotion.

By working together, Antrim GAA have the aim of making meaningful change laying the groundwork for long-term success. In a county with Belfast as a huge population centre and with a love of GAA across the county, it represents a chance to move forward.
together.