Antrim ladies face London in Crucial All-Ireland Semi-Final

Antrim ladies face London in Crucial All-Ireland Semi-Final

By Kevin Herron

Antrim ladies manager Seamus McKenna acknowledges that his side face a tough task this weekend when they meet London in the All-Ireland junior semi-final but believes their quarter-final win over Lancashire has brought back a renewed sense of confidence.

The Saffron ladies face a trip to Fingallian’s in Swords, Dublin to take London on Sunday (1.30 throw in) with a big prize on offer – a trip to Croke Park on the last Sunday in September to contest an all-Ireland final.

McKenna has had to lift his side after their defeat to Longford at St Paul’s at the beginning of August which he says dented the ladies confidence but has praised his side for regrouping and showing great character to win in Liverpool two weekends ago. “The Longford game was a major blow to the girl’s confidence” McKenna admitted. “We really expected to win the game especially playing at home but to be fair they have regrouped and have shown great character which reflected on the squad that went to Lancashire and came away with a great win. They have shown the management that there is a great bond and respect for each other”.

“Our game against Lancashire was never going to be easy as everyone didn't know what to expect. We played reasonably well and also got the chance to give a few of our younger players a run out. We know we will have to improve for next game especially defensively”.

London received a bye into the semi-final after Carlow conceded which has afforded them time to focus on hard on Antrim and although McKenna has heard they have been training hard and fancy themselves for a tilt at the All-Ireland he is full of praise for his side and insists himself and assistant Sinead McLaughlin have the upmost believe in their sides chances of progressing to the final. “The semi final will be a very hard game for us” acknowledged McKenna.

“Reports that we have gotten is that they our training hard and fancy themselves to go all the way this year but myself and Sinead [McLaughlin] really believe in this Antrim squad. Our trip to Liverpool has done us the world of good and you can see a renewed confidence in this group of girls. We are taking London very seriously and know that we will have to be at our best to beat them”. 

If Antrim are to progress to the final at Croke Park at the end of September it would be the first time many of McKenna’s squad would sample playing at headquarters as the majority of the 2012 squad have now left the county setup. 

The Antrim manager admits it is a great opportunity but will not let them look as far as Sunday’s game with London.

“I think everyone dreams of playing in Croke Park on all Ireland finals day” said McKenna. “The majority of our squad have never done this so they know it is a great opportunity for them and their families but at the minute we cannot let them think any further than the semi-final against London on Sunday”.