IF Antrim minor footballers are to win the Ulster Championship this year they will have to do it the hard way.
Tossed into a difficult section of the draw, they cleared the first hurdle in style, defeating holders Donegal after extra-time in Ballybofey.
The winners played with poise and determination and refused to let any setbacks in the game disturb their carefully laid plans.
It was obvious that they had a blueprint for the game, well determined by their backroom team, headed by manager Hugh McGettigan.
The St Mary’s CBS, Belfast PE teacher, along with Brian Gribben, has been working with a number of these Antrim players for a few years. For his work, and his guidance of the panel, McGettigan has been awarded the Quinn Building Products Ulster GAA Writers’ Monthly Merit Award for May – a rare occasion when a minor victory upstages senior successes.
“I’m delighted with the news,” beamed Hugh when told of the honour.
“I’m personally delighted but also delighted for the management committee that we have and also for the players.
‘‘Everyone connected with the team deserves a big slice of credit for the win over Donegal.”
Hugh knows, of course, more difficult hurdles lie ahead and facing Derry in the semi-final will be an even higher bar to clear.
“We were underdogs against Donegal and we will be even greater outsiders against Derry,” he claims.
“There is also a keen edge to the semi-final as a number of players in both the Antrim and Derry teams were colleagues on the St Mary’s, Magherafelt side that won the MacRory Cup, so that will be interesting. It should add extra excitement to the semi-final. Many of the players know each other and their style.
“However, our lads buckled down to the task against Donegal and they are ready to do the same against Derry. It was a magical moment when Tiernan McAteer sent over the winning point in extra-time, but that is over now and a new challenge lies ahead.
“This award gives us a great boost before facing Derry, who will be hot favourites, in the semi-final. Minor football is very strong in Derry. You only have to look at the success of the Maghera teams in the Ulster Minor Championship, over the past four years.
To earn the award, Hugh McGettigan had to fight off strong claims from Armagh footballer Caroline O’Hanlon, who starred with Ulster in the team’s record interpro win, after ‘moving mountains’ to be available to play.
Ulster’s camogs were also in the mix, having had interpro success, as well.
The presentation to the winner was hosted at St Mary’s CBS in Belfast and made by Quinn Building Products sales & marketing director Seamus McMahon.
Hugh received an engraved Belleek Living Vase, hand crafted Silver Cuff Links from Carlingford Design House and training gear from O’Neill International Sportswear plus two tickets to the next UGAAWA annual presentation function.
