Today we take a look at the ‘Best 15’ of Erin’s Own, Cargin as selected by former player and now Saffron Gael scribe, Geordie McGuckin. Geordie had the unenviable task of selecting his ‘Best 15’ from the reigning league and championship winners and won a championship medal himself back in 1974. His team includes players from that era to the present day and while not everyone will agree with his selection it is a formidable line-up.
Remember it’s just one man’s opinion and ‘It’s just a bit of fun!’
Geordie McGuckin’s Cargin ‘Best 15’
Having been given the task of selecting a Cargin team from over the years by the Boss I fully knew the enormity of the task, but after more than a few attempts to (pass the buck), and approach those who would undertake the assignment and being politely refused I had no choice in the matter.
I was fully aware of strength and depth within the ranks but in the following you will find the result of my labours which caused me anguish a plenty.
I am more than sure that I could come up with another 15 which would most likely be as good.
I do make apologies to those who I may have missed, and be content in the fact that I haven’t a clue.
Cargin Select (just one man’s opinion)
1 John Mc Nabb
Last man standing between the posts and has impressed in his station over the past. Stands tall in his defiance with precision based kick outs a strong point
2 Martin Mc Auley
A strong and resolute defender blessed with a good turn of pace and a good reader of the game earning his place at the corner of the defence.
Always keen to move forward and provide link to the attack.
3 Packie Mc Guckin
Captained the 1974 team to ground breaking success in the first senior title and played that part to the full.
Strong in the air and provided a lengthy, accurate clearance from kick outs.
4 Kevin O’ Boyle
A hugely talented defender who was more often than not used most ably as a man to man marker.
Always keen to take opportunity to move forward and his huge score against Donegal in the Saffron’s championship success gained over Donegal will live long in the memory.
Kieran Close 
Tony Scullion
5 Tony Scullion
A pace laden defender the T S express always looked to get forward both in the Green or the Saffron at the drop of a hat.
He remains the only Antrim player to have bagged a goal against the Kingdom in the championship.
6 Justin Crozier
An automatic selection on the team sheet since he claimed a place as a teenager J C is blessed with pace and balance combined.
A strong running defender, good in the air and with a keen eye for a score for both club and county
7 Donal Laverty
Another from the ground breaking team of ‘74 Donal was selected on an Ireland select in his era and was a hugely talented defender.
Was selected in the half back berth but was equally at home in the central zone or in the half forward department.
8 Eddie Quinn
Big Eddie gained selection in the central zone in which Cargin were blessed with more than a few brilliant performers in that department.
Always keen to move forward and take a score was first on the team sheet and was never found wanting when questions were asked.
9 Ciaran O’ Neill
Big Ciaran O’ Neill was outstanding in the Green and the Saffron during his tenure and combined aerial supremacy with an eye for a score.
Accurate in the extreme from long distance frees the ‘Butcher’ provided more than a few match winners over the years.
10 Declan Gallagher
Declan (Blondie) Gallagher was a score getter supreme for his team during his tenure and proved a proverbial thorn in the side for any defender that crossed his path.
Quick off the mark, and most accurate in the finish and strong and direct in approach ensured healthy returns on the scoreboard.
11 Michael Mc Cann
Damien Cassidy’s Rolls Royce tag applied to Mick is thoroughly deserved description of a man who is totally reliable and remains at the top of the tree in Antrim football.
Awarded the number 11 jersey for this assignment but is equally as comfortable in a mid-field berth or at full forward.
12 Tomas Mc Cann
Tomas is laden down with skill and would feel at home in any position in the attack.
His last kick strike which claimed a spectacular goal and earned progress over St Gall’s in that never to be forgotten championship clash of 2018 typified the man and his undoubted brilliance.
Thomas McCann joins his brother Michael on the Cargin ‘Best 15’
13 Kieran Close
Closey’s been at the top of the pile for quite a time and with the sweetest left foot securing a huge reply over the years in both green and Saffron.
He continued as good as ever last term in another positive campaign for the double winning champions and will most likely remain in harness for a couple of seasons yet.
14 Raymond Mc Guckin
Raymond (Harry), Although some may suggest that I may well be a tad prejudiced, is as talented an individual as I have seen in my long years in support of the Greens.
Was seen to good effect over the years in a central position but possibly at his best occupying the full forward position.
15 John Laverty (RIP)
A hugely influential member of the path finding Cargin team of 1974, John was a hugely talented footballer and was as tough as nails.
He was ever direct on his way towards the posts and he made life more than difficult for any defender who looked to halt his pathway towards goal.
Replacements (those who just missed the cut)
16 Kevin Doyle
Kevin (Dougal) started out on his senior career at a tender age and blessed with a great turn of foot he made life difficult for any defender who stood in his path.
17 Dermot Mc Peake
A play anywhere player Dermot was more often than not employed in a defensive role and always very tactically aware and a clever individual
18 James Laverty
James has been a great servant to both club and county and a young man who has looked equally at home in any role assigned to him.
19 Jamie Gribbin
A youngster who looks to have a bright future ahead, (Huggy) has impressed since he made his senior debut a couple of seasons back and looks destined to add to his two senior championship medals earned thus far.
20 Paul Craig
(Paul (Kat) was a superb servant in the Green and could fill any role in the half back department or a central role at his ease earning the respect of all during an impressive career.
21 JC Devlin
JC had a long and distinguished career in the Green forming a lasting, productive partnership with (Big Harry) over the years and since retirement he has proved successful in management.