Gallagher hints at Antrim's new strategy

Antrim's Aodhan Gallagher

Aodhan Gallagher believes that football followers in Ulster will see a different style of Antrim team and play when they take to the field at Clones for next Sunday’s Ulster Senior Football quarter-final against Monaghan.

The St Gall’s man reveals that there has been a realisation in the Saffron camp that their play was too predictable and one-dimensional, and that is something which Liam Bradley and his men have worked hard on over recent months.

As a result, Gallagher believes that his side will be giving opposition defences something a bit different to contend with in the weeks ahead.

“There was a bit of a belief out there that if you wanted to beat Antrim then don’t foul them inside your ‘45, that seemed to be the tactics of the opposition.

“But we’ve been getting more scores from play, James Loughrey hit 2-2 in the last league game, Brian Neeson has come in and done quite well, Conal Kelly has got himself a couple of scores as well, so we’re spreading the scores around a bit more.

“Hopefully Paddy [Cunningham] can keep hitting the frees, and Mick and Tomas McCann are still good for a few points as well. So I believe we’re well placed.”

Bradley has said on a number of occasions over the winter months that Antrim are looking to bring a bit more firepower to his Antrim attack this season.

As well as bringing the likes of Brian Neeson into the fold to play alongside Micheal Magill up front, his acquisition of former rugby international Andy Ward to look after Antrim’s physical conditioning was another statement of intent, one which Gallagher believes is starting to show.

The full story is in the current issue of Gaelic Life, published on Thursday May 17. Buy your copy now either online; by clicking the subscribe button on this page, or in your local newsagent