Lidl Ladies NFL Division 3: Antrim v Louth  (Sunday, 2pm, Davitt Park Belfast)

Antrim ladies footballer go into to Sunday’s opening game in Division 3 with a team which is short a lot of regulars, with the retirement of team captain Cathy Carey and the decision of a few of her Moneyglass team mates to take a break. Star of the team for the past couple of seasons Orlaith Prenter plus Glenavy ace Grainne McLaughlin have gone to Australia, which is a major blow to the team, but with some of Prenter’s Moneyglass team mates also absent, plus Aisling McFarland and Aine Turbity, team manager Emma Kelly has a big task on her hands.  

 With team captain Cathy Carey deciding to call it a day after over 20 years’ service Emma Kelly must have been tempted to try and persuade her great leader to stay on, but the manager thought that would have been unfair on Carey, a player who has given such great service to her county.  

The Moneyglass and Antrim legend Carey led the Saffrons to promotion from Division 4 last season while also winning the Ulster Intermediate title, but narrowly missing out on an All Ireland Intermediate final appearance.

One piece of good news that Emma Kelly announced was that Carey will be on hand to help out this season, just not in a playing capacity. 

“Cathy has given plenty of time during her career. It is her own personal decision – it is the same with girls who’ve stepped away for work or exams or travelling,” said Kelly. 

“Cathy will be on the sideline for our home games to be another set of eyes for us. “There was no point in ringing Cathy and asking her to drop in because we’ve lost too many players. That wouldn’t be fair on her either. She has given us enough time and it is her decision.”

With Carey retired, Ciara Brown from St Paul’s has been promoted to captain, while Brown’s clubmate Lara Dahunsi is vice-captain alongside St Brigid’s defender Emma Ferran. 

Antrim begin their Division Three campaign with a home game against Louth at Davitt’s on Sunday. 

Emma Kelly has urged supporters to get behind the team and says it is up to the players to step up and be counted in the absence of so many experienced players. 

“From the League final last year, we’ve lost 10 starters so it is a big hit,” said Kelly. 

“It isn’t ideal when you’ve so many key players stepping away at the same time, but these things happen. You have to deal with it. 

“It is sink or swim. 

“It is up to the rest of the girls to step up. We’ve only five starters from last year and they have to step up and be the leaders.

“They might only be 21 or 22 years old, but they need to step up and be counted. It is Division Three and they’ll have to learn. We’re still hoping to play good football and put it up to the rest of the teams in the division. 

“It will take some time for players to settle into the squad.”

She added: “It is going to be a difficult year, we can’t deny that. We need everybody to get out and support us now. It is a brand new squad. 

Kelly has given great service to Antrim as a manager and she certainly deserves the supprt of all those who have to welfare of Antrim football at heart, so get along to Davitt Park and cheer on her new charges