Burke explains how Antrim panel has been strengthened

Paddy Burke revealed that the competition for places has been one of the reasons for Antrim’s fantastic run this year.

This year has seen a variety of players tried out, and the changing panel has delivered an unbeaten run.

For Burke, the uncertainty over starters has forced players to elevate their performances.

“There has been a real competition for places. All 32 players are trying to get a jersey.

“From the start of the year, the competition has been huge. Everyone thinks that they can offer something. Some of the battles we are having in training are very competitive.”

Competitive is perhaps a diplomatic term for what others might describe as a battle. That competition is something that hasn’t been entirely present in previous teams.

Antrim have had strong teams before. Managements in years previous have said that they felt confident, yet the results didn’t follow. So what changed?

“The panel has got on well together. There has been a massive buy in from everyone.

“There are 32 players and they have bought in 100 per cent. The management team have put the right things in place.

“It is not completely new. But it is maybe the first time that all the best players are there and they have all bought in.

“We always had good hurlers in Antrim, we just maybe didn’t get the consistency in performances.”

Darren Gleeson deserves some of the credit. Last year he was coach, this year he is the manager.

“He has brought a serious element of professionalism. He has got great people around him. The whole management team is brilliant. There are some great additions to the panel.”

Burke said he’s looking forward to the final.

“I can’t wait. It is great to get to play in Croke Park on All-Ireland final day.

“It is a massive game. It would be great to win an All-Ireland title and move up to the next level.”

Taking on Kerry will have no surprises.

“We know them inside out by now. They are a very good team. They have very good players. We can’t get caught up on what they can do. We have to focus on what we can do.”

Personally, Paddy Burke is doing his best to enjoy the experience and to learn.

“The management there has some of the most experienced hurling men in the county. So I am just trying to enjoy the experience and learn as much as I can from them.

“Anything they are telling us I am trying to absornb it. I am really trying to enjoy it.”