WHEN Maria O'Neill's late and dramatic score secured victory over Carlow in Croke Park the celebrations began after a long hard-fought year which saw the Saffrons earn promotion to the second-tier, an Ulster title and of course the All-Ireland Junior Championship.
But the foundations for Antrim's second Junior title in six years were laid long before the final whistle, and when Mickey Devlin and Chris Scullion took on the role back in 2024 they ear-marked a two-year plan for which they pointed to Sunday's success as the pinnacle of that chapter.
The players themselves all bought into the plan, and captain Bronagh Devlin has name-checked Sunday's triumph as the reward for a season defined by hard work, togetherness and resilience.
"It's been a year of hard work and really backing each other as a squad. We've had a pretty good season in general, so Sunday was such a nice way to top it all off," said the Moneyglass ace.
With the pain of defeat to Louth in the 2025 final remaining fresh in the minds of players and management, rather than holding the team back, it became a powerful source of motivation.
Devlin admitted there were moments during Sunday's encounter when memories of last year's disappointment resurfaced, particularly when momentum appeared to be swinging towards Carlow.
"We were so determined not to have that feeling again," she explained. "I think the girls showed unreal character throughout those last couple of minutes to get over the line. We showed real hunger and we were not leaving Croke Park without that trophy."
That determination was matched by meticulous preparation from the management team. Chris Scullion revealed that every possible scenario had been discussed and rehearsed during the build-up to the final, ensuring the players would remain calm regardless of how the game unfolded.
"During the week of the final we catered for every scenario," said Scullion.
"If we came in behind at half-time, what would be our response? If we were ahead, what would be our next plan? We worked very closely with sports psychologist Oisin McManus and made sure the girls were prepared for every situation."
When Carlow found a crucial goal and threatened to snatch victory, Antrim's belief never wavered.
"There was maybe a split second where you wondered if the same thing as last year was happening," admitted Scullion. "But the girls had full belief in themselves. Even when Carlow got their goal, players still believed we would get another score."
Mental preparation became a major theme throughout Antrim's championship campaign. The management team encouraged players to focus on personal motivational messages written on wristbands during matches.
Scullion himself carried the phrase "Last Chance", a reminder of his belief that the final could be settled by one final opportunity.
Following the game on Sunday he spoke with the Andersonstown News and his prediction was reflective of that phrase.
"I really thought it could come down to the last chance in the game," he said. "In this case it came down to the last twenty-odd seconds. It wasn't good for the heart but what an incredible finish it was."
While players and management rightly deserve enormous praise, both Devlin and Scullion acknowledge that this success was built upon a wider collective effort across the county.
The support provided by the Antrim County Board throughout the journey has been a significant factor in the team's development. From backing the management team's long-term vision to investing in player welfare, preparation and resources, the County Board created an environment where players could focus entirely on performance.
Over the past two seasons the commitment shown behind the scenes has helped transform Antrim into one of the most progressive teams in Ladies football. That support allowed management to implement their plans, access specialist expertise, and provide players with the standards required to compete at the highest level.
It is a partnership that has helped deliver tangible results. In two years under the current management team Antrim have reached two All-Ireland finals, won an All-Ireland title and secured promotion through the league structure.
For Scullion, however, success is measured by more than medals.
"Winning the All-Ireland was the ultimate goal, but the development of the players is what I'm most proud of, and watching their progression and seeing younger members of the squad grow into county footballers has been special."
That development was evident throughout the final. The blend of experienced leaders and fearless young talent proved crucial, with substitutes providing fresh energy and pace when the game entered its decisive stages.
"Bringing on that youthful expression definitely helped us, the girls themselves said afterwards it was the right decision. It gave us that extra energy to get us over the line."
Looking ahead, Antrim now return to Intermediate Championship football while also preparing for life in Division Two of the National League. The captain, Bronagh Devlin, believes maintaining the core of the current squad will be important, but she is equally excited by the talent emerging throughout the county.
"The last couple of years have proved what Antrim has within our clubs," she said.
"There are more girls wanting to come out and play for the county, and hopefully winning on Sunday encourages even more of that."
Scullion shares that optimism having already recorded victories over several recent Intermediate finalists during the past two seasons, he believes Antrim are well capable of competing at the next level.
Chris Scullion (left) and Mickey Devlin (right) celebrating Maria O'Neill's winner on Sunday
Perhaps most encouragingly, the team's success is already inspiring the next generation. Scullion also praised the collaborative approach taken across the county to help players balance their commitments.
"There was excellent co-operation around fixture management with clubs, which helped us manage workload commitments for players. That co-operation ensured that player welfare remained at the centre of decision-making and allowed the girls the best opportunity to perform at their highest level."
The manager believes the behind-the-scenes support received from the County Executive and clubs was a vital contributor to Antrim's success.
"Success on the field comes from a lot of people working together behind the scenes. The support we received throughout the year was first class and gave the players every opportunity to succeed. When everybody is pulling in the same direction, it creates an environment where players can thrive."
The success of the team was also strengthened by the excellent work done off the field to promote the squad and grow support around the county.
The promotion of our games was also particularly important in ensuring that supporters remained connected to the team's journey throughout the season. Through regular updates, player features, match previews, reports and social media coverage, the profile of the squad continued to grow as the year progressed.
Scullion was keen to recognise that contribution and has confirmed that he will be returning next season as he hopes to strengthen that bond.
"The photos and promotion of games, player features and results really helped raise the profile of the team. The support we received at matches didn't happen by accident. A lot of work went on behind the scenes to make sure people knew when and where we were playing, and that helped create a real buzz around the squad. It's important that contribution is recognised because it played a part in our journey."
As young players across Antrim watched their county lift silverware in Croke Park, they saw proof of what is possible through commitment, belief and teamwork.
Combined with strong club structures, dedicated management and continued support from the County Board, the future of Antrim LGFA appears exceptionally bright.
