Antrim must lick their wounds ahead of trip to Tipp


By Michael McMullan ANTRIM must take their medicine, lick their wounds and find an improved performance against Tipperary in Thurles on Sunday’s Division Four round two clash. That was the outlook of manager Mark Doran after their defeat at the hands of Carlow in Portglenone last weekend. “I’m a great believer in you either win or […]


Doran hoping Antrim can put best foot forward


By Michael McMullan ANTRIM manager Mark Doran is hoping for a greater return from the attacking side of their game when Carlow visit Portglenone on Sunday. Doran will also spend this week checking on injuries to ensure they put their best football forward on the opening day of the league. Nobody was risked in the […]


Antrim without defensive duo ahead of league opener


By Michael McMullan ANTRIM manager Mark Doran is planning without key defenders Peter Healy and Ronan Boyle ahead of the National League campaign that gets up and running on Sunday. The Saffrons welcome Carlow to Cargin as they begin a promotion bid after last season’s relegation from Division Three. Doran, in his first year at […]


Byrne steps away from Antrim


By Michael McMullan GOALKEEPER Michael Byrne has stepped away from the Antrim senior squad but manager Mark Doran said the door is always open. It’s the same with former skipper Dermot McAleese who retired after the 2025 season, with Doran also holding talks with the Portglenone man since taking over as manager. McAleese was on […]


Mark Doran names his first Antrim team


By Michael McMullan MARK Doran has named his first Antrim team for Wednesday’s Dr McKenna Cup clash with Derry in Owenbeg. He has listed four players from the team that exited the Tailteann Cup at the hands of Wexford in the last game of 2025. Paddy McBride, Marc Jordan, Adam Loughran and Eoghan McCabe are […]


Doran preparing Antrim for promotion dogfight


By Michael McMullan ANTRIM’S number one focus is getting promoted from Division Four but new manager Mark Doran insists they have “no divine right” to bounce back up again. The new Saffron boss has experience of the lower divisions from his time with both Clare and Wicklow. Antrim will have to show up every day. […]


The Dawn of Doran: The new Antrim manager looks ahead


OVER the past few weeks and months, Mark Doran has been married to his phone. His intention, after being appointed the new Antrim football manager, is to get the best players in the county out on the field in 2026 and to give their loyal fanbase something to shout about. Doran has searched high and […]


McCann returns to Antrim setup


TOMÁS McCann has returned to the Antrim fold under Mark Doran after a couple of years out of the setup. The Cargin clubman is one of a number of players that Doran has called into the panel. Dunloy’s Deaglan Smyth received a call up but will miss out through injury while while John McNabb, John […]


New blood on the sideline


A number of counties will have new football managers in place for 2026. Niall McCoy has a look at the new blood ULSTER Antrim – Mark Doran AFTER coaching with a number of counties, including Clare and Wicklow, the county Down man takes on his first inter-county manager’s gig. Saffron great Mick McCann is in […]