By Alan Rodgers

A SERIES of potential positives are signalling what it is hoped will be a far brighter future for Antrim as they embark on the journey of improving their fortunes under the management of Enda McGinley.

It has been a difficult decade for the Saffrons as they have struggled to make any kind of impact in the Ulster Championship or National League. No wonder they are hoping that their new manager will bring with him some of the Tyrone gold-dust to pave the way to new horizons.

Their past exploits provide the background and the inspiration to improve. Efforts are being made, and the aim for McGinley is to build on those strengths which Antrim do enjoy. Like the Gaelfest scheme, the Saffron Business Forum and the fact that the potential of their resources is matched only by the top powerhouses of the GAA in Dublin, Cork, Kilkenny and Galway.

“There’s multiple positive stories there for Antrim,” remarked McGinley, who, of course, enjoyed an illustrious inter-county career with the Red Hand county.

“In terms of its resources, its population and the clubs, Antrim have an ability to punch much higher. When you look at what Monaghan can do and Fermanagh can do with their player numbers, then you can see the potential with Antrim.

“With moderate resources run right and players truly committed, you can punch very, very high and unfortunately they haven’t been doing that. But it’s our challenge now to try and improve that situation.

“Even the performance that they put in against Cavan in the championship was a real credible one and much better than people thought they were going to get, so that’s good.

“You have the work of the hurlers, and then there’s Gaelfest, the Saffron Business Forum, all of these positive initiatives and, of course, the crowning glory that is Casement which will be a huge source of pride.

“With all of that going on, you would hope that footballers in the county would say ‘right hang on a minute – let’s change this’. It has to come from the players. We can try and put structures and work in place and build on what was done by Lenny (Harbinson). But the players have to have that ambition and want to get Antrim up the levels.”

Of course, McGinley is no stranger to the commitment required for inter-county football. He will also, of course, have a special affinity with Antrim, the home county of his wife and former Antrim ladies player Geraldine.

It means that he has a special insight and, while this will be his first experience of the inter-county managerial scene, the reality is that enthusiasm, tactical awareness and commitment are also extremely vital qualities.

“I have spent more of my time in around county dressing rooms than I have at club level. You’re thinking of the game and the expectations of your players as such that maybe it’s a bit much for club level.

“You have to keep reminding yourself that this is club level, where you have half of senior players and half of reserve players and be aware of the demands and the expectations that you’re placing on them. It’s not one year in, one year out, or a good winter programme. Like an Olympic athlete, you’ve a three- or four-year training programme to reach your optimum as a player and unless you’re prepared to put that in, it’s not going to work for you.”