Darren Gleeson's Appeal to Antrim FC Fans
Antrim's hurling boss, Darren Gleeson, has made an earnest plea to the team's supporters to rally behind them ahead of the Leinster Championship, expressing concern over the dwindling support witnessed during their recent National Hurling League campaign.
Lackluster League Campaign
Antrim's Division One campaign concluded with a string of five consecutive defeats, culminating in a 2-21 to 0-12 loss against Tipperary in Belfast. The Saffrons' dismal performance was further compounded by the absence of several key players and a noticeable decline in fan attendance.
Gleeson's Disappointment
Gleeson voiced his disappointment over the dwindling support, emphasizing the importance of fan presence, particularly for upcoming crucial matches in the Leinster Championship. He highlighted the significance of home advantage in their upcoming encounters against Wexford, Carlow, Galway, and Kilkenny, urging fans to show their support on April 21st when they face Kilkenny.
Reasons for Poor Performance
This season's League campaign has been particularly challenging for the Saffrons due to the departure of several key players, including talisman Neil McManus and the unavailability of others due to injuries. The team has also been grappling with a significant number of injuries, with over a dozen squad members sidelined during various stages of the League.
Gleeson's Optimism
Despite the setbacks, Gleeson remains optimistic about Antrim's prospects, expressing confidence that they will be more competitive once their injured players return to the field. He acknowledged the progress made by the team despite their struggles in the National Hurling League, emphasizing the need for continued development and improvement.
Gleeson's Excuses
Gleeson acknowledged that the team's performance against Tipperary was subpar, but he defended his players' effort, attributing the defeat to Tipperary's superior quality. He highlighted the team's difficulties in executing basic skills and converting possession into scores.
Call for Unity
Gleeson concluded by reiterating his appeal for fan support, stressing that the team needs to feel the backing of their supporters to perform at their best. He expressed his belief that with their injured players returning and the support of their fans, Antrim can make a positive impact in the upcoming Leinster Senior Hurling Championship.
