As the Gaelic Masters season gets underway this week-end, Paddy McIlwaine of the Saffron Gael caught up with Antrim Masters manager, Frank Delargy. In his first year in charge last season the Portglenone native brought a degree of organisation and knowhow to the Antrim side and came very close to collecting silverware.

I wanted  to gain some insight into their exciting plans for the upcoming season. It all kicks off next Saturday, 10th May, at 1pm with a home league game against Down at All Saints GAC.

Well Frank, Antrim Masters seemed to do well last year, winning five out of six league games and pushing both Kerry and Derry close in the playoff stages. Are you looking forward to the new season?

Definitely, Paddy. We made great progress last year, narrowly missing out on a top-four finish after losing to Kerry in extra time in Tyrellstown. We had enough chances to win that one too—Kerry were just more clinical in front of goal. But that game showed us how close we are to the top. Our focus in the off-season was on attracting new players who could add quality, depth, and composure in front of goal.

Who is involved with you in running the Antrim Masters?
Timmy Connolly is back on board for another year, Paddy. He was Brian White’s number two for several years and really understands the nuances of Masters football. He reads the game excellently and knows the players inside out. Plus, he was one of the best players I ever saw in an Antrim jersey.

Fellow All Saints man Carl O’Neill has stepped up this year to take on the role of secretary and serves as our link with the national Gaelic Masters committee. Big Paddy Kelly, current county Coaching and Games Development Officer has taken over as chairman of our committee. They all work quietly behind the scenes to keep things running smoothly. Sean Kelly is our PRO—no better man for the job! Hopefully, we’ll keep Sean busy as the year goes on.

Am I right in saying that Gaelic Masters sits just outside the jurisdiction of Cumann Lúthchleas Gael?
Indeed, Paddy. It’s a bit like how the LGFA and Camogie associations were—or still are. The National Committee that oversees Masters competition operates independently, regulating their own competitions and rules. For instance, we’re still using the old rules this season.

Some counties have stronger ties than others with their county boards, including full sponsorship. In Antrim, we enjoy a healthy relationship with Coiste Bainiste. As long as we do things properly and represent Antrim well, I know they’re only a phone call away if we ever need help.

There must be plenty of work to do behind the scenes?
Absolutely. The two biggest priorities right now are getting players registered before the 8th of May—that’s the deadline to declare the playing panel for the year—and securing funding. Player registration alone costs around £3K, and we also need new jerseys and equipment. This is as good a time as any Paddy to thank our generous sponsors who’ve helped us meet our financial needs for 2025: Peter McIlvenny (McIlvenny Law), Peter Murphy (AES – Aesthetic Skin Clinics), Ryan McGlone (McGlone Group/Fiddlers Rest/Portglenone), and Aodh Hannon of Hannon Transport.

Are you happy with the new recruits for the season ahead?
Yes, the committee worked hard to get the right players on board—guys who share our ambition to push on this season. On paper, we’ve added about a dozen new faces, giving us a solid mix of options across the pitch. We look a bit stronger than last year, but then again, most counties taking Masters football seriously will have strengthened panels as well, as more and more counties start to take Masters football seriously.

Have you set a performance target for this season?
Beyond the usual cliché of “one game at a time,” we’re collectively aiming to go one step further than last year and secure a top-four finish. Tyrone will be the team to beat again—they’re so well organised and have a mouth-watering panel that includes several former All-Stars. They have set a very high standard and its up to others to match up!

Dublin, Cork, Kerry, Derry, Donegal, Mayo—all take Masters football seriously and will have their sights set high. Roscommon were a surprise package last year and will be also strong again. That said, I’d be disappointed if we don’t play our way into that elite group and maybe push on from there.

But right now, our full focus is on getting two points this Saturday against Down!

On behalf of Saffron Gael, we wish the Antrim Masters panel and management the very best of luck and look forward to reporting on your matches throughout the season.
Thanks a lot, Paddy. I know the players—and our sponsors—really appreciate the coverage. It makes our job easier, and with a bit of luck, we’ll give your readers an exciting year in 2025.

Thanks, Frank.