ANTRIM’S ladies begin their 2025 league campaign away to Kilkenny this weekend (Sunday, Crettyard, 2pm) looking to rebuild and rise under new joint-managers Michael Devlin and Chris Scullion.
The Glenavy duo were appointed on a two-year term to replace Emma Kelly and will be hoping to get the Saffrons back on track again after a tough 2024 that saw them relegated from Division Three and drop down back to junior championship football.
Those disappointments came just a year after the Saffrons had won the Division Four and Ulster intermediate titles and reached the All-Ireland intermediate semi-finals.
The first few months have been about finding their feet and putting in the hard yards as they put a squad together for the year ahead and so far, according to Scullion, they cannot ask for anything more from the players.
“Mickey and myself have been happy with how pre-season has been going,” he said.
“The players have come in with a strong sense of commitment and have been working hard in every session. We’ve been focusing on building fitness levels, our tactical awareness, and strengthening our team dynamic.
“There’s always a lot to cover at this stage, but the group is making good progress. It’s been a solid start, and we’re looking forward to continuing to develop as we are only seven weeks into a two-year plan.”
Open trials were held to assemble this year’s panel there appears to be a degree of experience in the shape of Bronagh Devlin, who will captain the side, Ciara Brown and Ana Mulholland – who are this year’s vice-captains – as well as Niamh McIntosh and Lara Dahunsi.
“We invited players from all clubs to trials so that everyone had an equal chance to be part of the panel,” Scullion explained.
“It was a great opportunity to bring in a mix of experienced players and new talent who are excited to represent Antrim. We knew this season would involve some rebuilding, so we’re focusing on laying strong foundations for the team.
“We’ve made some great additions to the panel this year. We’ve brought in some exciting minors who are stepping up and adding real energy to the squad. It’s fantastic to see how eager they are to learn and grow, and they’re already showing a lot of potential.
“We’ve also welcomed back players with senior experience, which has been a big boost. Their leadership and knowledge have been invaluable, especially for the newer players. It’s a nice balance of youth and experience, and it’s creating a really positive dynamic within the group.”
Antrim’s opening game against Kilkenny will be followed by another trip across to Sligo and then down to Fermanagh before finishing off with four home games – against Longford, Leitrim, Wicklow and Derry.
Scullion and Devlin would like to be reaching the knock-out stages with a top-four finish but they also know they cannot look beyond the next game and for now the focus is all on Kilkenny and they will be targeting victory over the Cats.
“As a coach, you always believe in preparing your players to try and win every game and competition we’re involved in, and Mickey and myself are no different,‘’ added Scullion.
“When it comes to the league, our intention is definitely to do well. A semi-final place is something we’ll aim for, but our focus is on taking it one game at a time, putting in strong performances, and seeing where that takes us.
“Challenging for promotion is always the goal, and while we know it won’t be easy, the players are working hard, and there’s a real sense of belief within the group.
“We have great respect for the effort they [Kilkenny] are putting into the ladies' game. It’s clear to see they are striving to improve in a county where hurling and camogie have such a strong tradition.
“For us, it’s about focusing on our own performance and making sure we’re prepared to give our best on the day. Every game in this league is important, and starting with a positive result would be a great boost for us. We know we’ll need to work hard to achieve that, and we’re fully focused on the challenge ahead.”
Lidl Ladies’ NFL Division Four, round one (Sunday, 2pm)
Kilkenny v Antrim (Crettyard)
Leitrim v Fermanagh (Kiltubrid)
Sligo v Wicklow (Cloonacool)
Longford v Derry (Glennon Brothers Pearse Park)
