It is one of the most important positions in the modern game and new manager Andy McEntee is fully aware that Antrim have failed to settle on a regular goalkeeper in recent times.
Oisin Kerr’s departure from the panel prior to the start of the Championship caused then-then boss Enda McGinley a serious headache as another 'keeper, Aghagallon's Luke Mulholland, had already quit earlier in the 2022 season.
Chris Kerr has been Antrim’s regular custodian between the posts for more than a decade, but quit the inter-county game after back-to-back cruciate injuries.
Read more: Casement Park redevelopment costs expected to have "increased exponentially" warns Ulster GAA chief
After regaining full fitness and playing his club football with Armagh side Ballymacnab, Kerr was drafted into the squad ahead of the Ulster SFC defeat to Cavan with Rossa’s Michael Byrne starting in goals.
Antrim’s season ended with their Tailteann Cup defeat in Leitrim and former Meath boss McEntee has since taken the helm.
Kerr recently informed McEntee that, barring another goalkeeping crisis, his retirement is for definite this time while Byrne will have competition for the number one jersey from Ronan Hanna (Aldergrove) and Ryan O’Neill (Portglenone).
“I had a great conversation with Chris (Kerr) at the start and we’d a few honest conversations and he was going to make himself available until it became evident that it wasn’t realistic,” said McEntee.
“We’ve three goalkeepers in at the moment. We’ve Michael Byrne (Rossa), Ryan O’Neill (Portglenone) and Ronan Hanna (Aldergrove) in the squad.
“We looked at a few others, but they aren’t in a position to commit. We’ve plenty of cover in that area and I’m quite happy with the talent I’m seeing.
“I suppose Stepten Cluxton reinvented the role and it is even progressing from there. You see the influence ’keepers are having outfield and you have to be comfortable on the ball now too. You need good ball players and you need good athletes in that position.”
McEntee also revealed that he has held talks with siblings Michael and Tomás McCann regarding their inter-county futures.
The duo helped Cargin regain the Antrim SFC title with a thrilling win over Aghagallon in the county final before the Toome men claimed a famous win the Ulster Club series by defeating Naomh Conaill of Donegal in a penalty shootout at Corrigan Park.
Ronan Devlin’s men were then defeated by Glen in the semi-final, but the eventual Ulster champions needed a late Danny Tallon penalty to put the game beyond doubt.
Both McCanns are set to undergo treatment in the off season and only then will they be in a position to make an assessment on their Antrim futures said McEntee.
“We’ve already had that conversation, even prior to their defeat to Glen and I’ve spoken to both Tomás and Michael since then,” stated McEntee.
“I think it is no secret that both of them have carried injuries through the last number of games.
“We’ve got to wait and see where they are at and see what the rehab course is for them. They’ve very much involved in the conversation, but they’ll be given the time they need.”
Antrim’s problems with players walking away during the season is well-documented and wasn’t unique to Enda McGinley’s final year. Previous incumbents Lenny Harbinson, Frank Fitzsimons and Gearóid Adams and Liam Bradley had to deal with similar issues during their tenures.
According to McEntee, his primary aim is to create an environment where players want to remain involved with the county set-up.
“If you talk to any manager across Ireland, they’ll tell you they face the same issue.” added the Antrim boss.
“The way to deal with it is you make the environment as such that fellas don’t want to leave.
“It is important. It was obviously difficult for Enda (McGinley) last year. We have to put structures in place for the guys who really want to play for Antrim.
“Nothing ever goes up in a straight line and everyone suffers setbacks.
“Players suffer setbacks and the type of players you want are the type of players who take that on the chin and comes back a bit stronger.”
Read next:
- Tyrone tests stood to Galbally in Ulster series says manager Paddy Crozier
- Young Co Down GAA star to undergo life-changing spinal surgery next month
Kilcoo pay tribute to outgoing management duo as Conleith Gilligan and Richard Thornton depart
- Stars of the Ulster Club series who could make a big impact for their counties in 2023
- Armagh suffer blow ahead of the new campaign as goalkeeper departs panel
Sign up to our free sports newsletter to get the latest headlines to your inbox.
