They were contenders for promotion from Division Three last season, but new Antrim manager believes the make-up of the third tier in 2023 will make life even tougher for the Saffrons.
Under previous boss Enda McGinley, Antrim finally lifted themselves from Division Four in 2021 and were in the hunt for back-to-back promotions after three wins and a draw against Laois from their opening five games.
However, a mid-table finish was a disappointing end to a League campaign that promised much as Antrim ended Division Three with defeats to Louth and Westmeath.
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Mickey Harte’s men won the division and will be joined in Division Two by Limerick with Offaly and Down dropping into Division Three.
At the other end of the table, Laois and Wicklow were relegated with Cavan and Tipperary moving into Division Three and McEntee knows that points will be hard-earned this season.
“You’ve the three other Ulster counties and also Westmeath in there and Tipperary,” said McEntee.
“You’ve two recent provincial winners (Cavan and Tipperary) so it is an ultra-competitive division.
“That’s true of all the divisions and that’s what makes the League such a good competition.
“We’ve just got to make sure we are at that level and we have the strength-in-depth as well because you are running into a phrase where you are playing seven games in nine or 10 weeks.
“Everyone will run into injuries so having a strong panel is hugely important.”
McEntee also stressed the value of getting a look at his players in a competitive environment when the Dr McKenna Cup gets underway on Wednesday, January 4.
The Saffrons travel to the Athletic Grounds to face their Ulster Championship opponents Armagh in their Section C opener before hosting Cavan in round two on Sunday, January 8 at Portglenone.
“I never thought I would say it, but I’m really looking forward to the McKenna Cup,” added McEntee.
“It is fine seeing guys in training, but it is hard to judge until you see fellas in competitive action against external opposition.
“For me, as a new manager and as a new management team, that competition is really important.
“It was a big plus for me being appointed at a relatively early stage as I got to see pretty much every game in the Antrim club Championship from the second round onwards.
“I got to see a wide range of games, both Intermediate and Senior, and that was invaluable.”
Goalkeepers Ronan Hanna (Aldergrove) and Ryan O’Neill (Portglenone) have been drafted into the Antrim panel for 2023.
St Brigid’s attacker Joe Finnegan is also included with sibling Patrick recalled to the county squad.
Colm McLarnon of St Paul’s is another new addition while Decky Smith of Dunloy will link up with the panel after the All-Ireland Club SHC Final against Ballyhale next month.
It is understood that defenders Marty Johnston (Creggan) and Niall Delargy (Portglenone) won’t be available for Antrim next season.
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