Brendan McTaggart gives a few thoughts on Antrim’s McDonagh Cup journey ahead of the decider in Croke Park on Saturday.
A love-hate relationship that has defined the last four years. That would be the best way to describe Antrim’s connection with the McDonagh Cup since its inception.
Every game a battle, every game fraught with danger, every game with permutations on down the line. The McDonagh Cup has been a wonderful addition to the beautiful game but at the same time, you want to get out of there.
When the McDonagh Cup began, Antrim were instilled as favourites to be relegated to the Christy Ring Cup. A sign of the progress that has been made on the pitch.
In seasons gone by in the McDonagh Cup, as Antrim supporters we looked at games in hope. Hoping to pick up a win before a game in Mullingar or Tralee, Tullamore or Carlow. This season has been different. Such has been the hurling produced in recent times and the feel-good factor around the county, there’s been an expectation. Expecting to beat Carlow, Down, Offaly and even Kerry last time out despite a number of ‘regulars’ missing. A sign of the squad depth developed over the recent years.
Two years ago in the month of December, Antrim claimed their maiden McDonagh Cup. Conor McCann leading the Saffrons up the steps of the Hogan Stand with more pigeons than spectators in Croke Park. Covid depriving the Saffron following from making the journey down the Jones Road. On Saturday, that changes. We now have a chance to watch Antrim play in Croke Park on one of the biggest days in the hurling calendar. A potential stepping stone for 2023 while either Cork or Wexford lays in wait in the All-Ireland Qualifier. A home draw dependant on the home venue, I read that somewhere in the small print during the week. Get the hashtags ready again – Corrigan Or Nowhere. Hopefully it doesn’t get that far and someone has the sense to know Corrigan Park is ‘fit for purpose.’
Saturday will be another battle. Kerry proved two weeks ago in Corrigan Park they aren’t there to make up the numbers and Antrim will have to be at themselves to leave Croke Park with the Cup in hand. They are a side who play an expansive brand of hurling and have changed plenty since that meeting in Croke Park back in December 2020.
Memories from that game, McManus making his long awaited return to make a huge impact off the bench. Domhnal Nugent coping Darren Gleeson on his arse at the full-time whistle and Donal Og Cusack’s summarising of the final. That last memory still raises the old blood pressure every time I think on it.
This years memories? Eoin ‘Sammy’ O’Neill’s point against Offaly, ridiculously sublime and the type of thing only he could be capable off. The Offaly support were in great voice until those closing seconds. Great stuff in the Corrigan Park stand. Ciaran Clarke’s goal (made by a great Joe Maskey run from the throw-in) against Down coming before I had lined out the page in my scribbling pad in Ballycran and checking if Dan McConnell’s twitter updates were accurate from Pairc Tailteann in the game against Meath. A match I couldn’t attend due to other commitments but seven goals later and our place was secured in this year’s final.
I wasn’t lucky enough to make that final given the Covid restrictions, I’ll be there on Saturday with my aul fella and daughters. A family occasion. One not to be missed, watching Antrim in Croke Park at any time should be embraced. Any one I spoke to before our last McDonagh final ‘wished’ they could be there in Croke Park to watch Antrim play. Now’s your chance. A 4:30pm throw in, maybe doesn’t normally suit everyone, make it suit this time. Let’s give this side the support their performances, effort, desire and commitment to the Saffron shirt deserves.
Reaching their third McDonagh decider in succession, Kerry are knocking on the door. Maybe light a Saffron candle tonight that the Kingdom doesn’t make it third time lucky.
Aontroim Abu.