EMMA Kelly has resigned as Antrim Senior Ladies football manager with immediate effect.
In a statement, posted on the county website, Emma described her four years in the post as “an honour and privilege”.
During her reign, Antrim were 2021 Ulster Junior winners and All Ireland runners up, 2022 Ulster Junior winners and All Ireland Junior winners (after a replay) and 2023 Division 4 winners, Ulster Intermediate winners and All Ireland Intermediate semi-finalists.
A hugely successful record.
However, looking back on the past year, Emma reflected: “Unfortunately, this year was a transitional year and we had a lot of challenges both on and off the field but to be fair we didn’t look out of place up in Division 3. We were close in a few games but close doesn’t win games.”
Neverthless, Emma can look back with satisfaction, insisting: “I am proud to say we did win a lot of silverware and gave the county a lot of big days out over that time. Bringing pride, belief and expectation to the Antrim Jersey, we made people sit up and take notice of our county.”
Emma added: “I would like to thank every single girl who was involved over the four years, without you none of the success and memories would have been possible. Thank you also to their clubs for developing them into such good players and for working with us and supporting the girls when needed.
“To my three captains, Aislinn, Cathy and Ciara, no one sees how much extra commitment, effort and time you put in off the pitch with the captains role. It isn’t all the high life. There are meetings, launches, events, travelling around the country. Thank you for doing all that with pride and for leading by example.
“Thanks to Kyla who has been there from the start of our journey and to all those who were involved over the years – Stephen, Oisín, Ursula, Paula and anyone else who helped out at trainings or on match days.
“Thanks to Debbie, Anthony and all the county board for your support over the years. Also to all the sponsors, our bus driver Nigel from J&K Buses who always made away days better. Also the physio group – in particular Brendan and Ian who took good care of the girls.
“And to all the clubs who let us use their facilities for training/games over the years, in particular Davitts, Cargin and also Antrim GAA for the use of Dunsilly, thank you.
“Thanks to all the supporters, all the parents who brought your children to games to let them find real role models to look up to. All who got behind the girls at every opportunity and were that extra push to get across the line when we needed it.
“I wish Antrim all the best in the future, no doubt with the talent available the silverware will not be long in returning and the saffs will rise again.
“Thanks for the memories.”
