McVeigh believes Saffrons should be excited about the future

IN this week’s episode of Take Your Points, Antrim man Sean McVeigh has expressed his excitement about the potential for success for the county under new manager Enda McGinley.

McVeigh talks about the Tyrone man taking over, about what changes might happen, and also suggests that if the right personnel remain, his county could be very successful.

“I am personally very excited about Enda McGinley coming in. I thnk it is a great managerial team. Enda will bring craft and experience that only an All-Ireland winner will have. The appointment of Sean Kelly who knows Antrim footbal inside and out. He is tactically very aware. It is a great appointment. I know if I was a player I would be very excited about getting back into the changing room and back onto the training field to play for the boys.”

McVeigh played for Antrim from 2006 through to 2018. He’s seen the highs of Ulster final appearaces, and the lows of relegations. He thinks they are in great shape.

“I feel very positive about Antrim based on their games this year and some of their performances. I thought they played very well against Limerick. They were very quick on the counter attack. So they can build on that and have a good next year.”

Enda McGinley takes over from Lenny Harbinson. The three year tenure of the St Gall’s man was disappointing as they were unable to gain promotion. Yet McVeigh thinks McGinley might maintain some of what was going on. He says the panel might change, but only slightly.

“I think every new management team will want to put their own stamp onto the team. But in terms of personnel all the same lads will be there. Maybe a few additions like Pat Shivers from Cargin. And I am sure a few Portglenone boys will have caught Enda and Sean’s eye. I believe Niall McKeever is back and I think that is a massive addition. Antrim have missed an out and out midfielder in the last few years. If McKeever comes in there that means that Marc Jordan can be pushed further up the field where I think he will be more beneficial to the team.

“Hopefully Mick (McCann) and (Mark) Sweeney and Paddy hands (Cunningham) all stick in there. Their experience is going to be very important for promotion.

“Ricky Johnston being fully fit will be strengthen the defence. That will allow Declan Lynch to play half back and push up. I definitely feel the personnel are there to have a good year. The team have had two or three good years together so the management will be happy with what they have to work with.”

Take your points is broadcast this weekend. As well as Sean McVeigh discussing Antrim, Mark McKeever talks about Cavan’s All-Ireland defeat to Dublin, and Martina Rooney discusses Down’s Intermediate final win.

Watch the show on NVTV (Channel 7 freeview, Channel 159 Virgin), and online at Gaeliclife.com or nvtv.com.