There has been much discourse and debate in the modern age of the Irish League regarding what role regional competitions now play.
In an age where European qualification is now a factor that reigns supreme, with six-figure sums healthily renumerating those that reach the continental scene, there has been a change of priorities at the top end in particular.
Take Glentoran, for example, and their outlook on the County Antrim Shield that’s been conveyed through their bosses.
Mick McDermott was a fierce advocate of changing up the way the competition is conducted.
The former Glens manager, who stood down from his duties in the east Belfast hotseat in January 2023, painted a clear picture of what he would have done to enhance the competition.
Speaking on BBC Northern Ireland’s Irish League Show last year, he believed that the Round of 16 should be replaced with a group stage set-up, adding that regulations could be implemented to “maybe make it compulsory to field three or four players under the age of 21” and that youth talents should be encouraged to play in it.
It’s an altered stance from McDermott, who fired a shot back in 2020 that Glentoran were “done with the County Antrim Shield”, but he nevertheless held strong beliefs when in post that the County Antrim FA-sanctioned tournament needed bolstering.
On the topic of youth, incumbent Oval chief Warren Feeney went even further following Glentoran’s penalty shoot-out success over Crusaders in this season’s last-16 action.
He stated: “In England, they have Under-23s only in certain competitions, but it’s something we’ll definitely be doing because I want as many kids as possible to get experience and it will only help them with the first-team.”
Changing the whole direction of the Shield to become a youth-only competition? That would be radical and then some.
But not everyone looks at this 135-year-old staple of the Irish League calendar the same way.
In 2023/24, of the eight quarter-finalists, five of them hailed from below the top-flight. A somewhat fortuitous last-16 draw helped, which guaranteed at least four from the get-go, but the priorities of those below the top-tier are ostensibly different to those at the Irish League’s pinnacle; a cup run is hugely valuable.
At that, Glentoran’s outlook would contrast with the likes of Larne, who are chasing a fourth ‘Bin Lid’ on the trot and, it could be said, have used this historic tournament as the platform to propel them to their first-ever Gibson Cup this year.
The two are on-paper favourites to lock horns in the Final in 2024, with the Invermen entertaining second-tier Knockbreda as the Glens travel to Carrick Rangers, and it’ll be intriguing to see how both sides approach their semi-final ties.
Either way, the Shield’s integrity is worth preserving; it works for the majority, and centering it towards the few would be detrimental.
Look beyond this competition, too.
Although Coleraine tend to take a step back in the North West Senior Cup, fielding line-ups that feature a fluid mix of Academy stars and squad players, this has presented a huge shot at senior silverware for lower-league clubs in the region like Dergview, Ballinamallard United, Portstewart, Institute and Limavady United.
It is closely fought, and enjoying trophy celebrations and some form of bragging rights in the region are not to be sniffed at.
The Mid-Ulster Cup likewise. It is fiercely competitive; Premiership outfits Glenavon, Newry City, Loughgall and Dungannon Swifts regularly find their mettle tested by the Annagh Uniteds, Portadowns and Warrenpoint Towns of this world.
Four different winners of the illustrious tournament in the last four years – holders Newry, Warrenpoint, Glenavon and Annagh – highlight the drive for victory.
Regional cups should not be reduced to a distraction from the hustle and bustle of ‘what really matters’.
Yes, indeed, the BetMcLean Cup has taken an increased profile, and the Irish Cup and its lucrative Euro reward can’t be ignored, but that does not mean the regionals should just be given up on.
McDermott was right when he said the County Antrim Shield is “a historic trophy, so it’s worth preserving”.
And that’s not to say there’s no wriggle room for adjustments. Is a midweek date, a cold Tuesday night in the middle of winter the most appealing time for a showpiece? Truth be told, probably not.
But the County Antrim, North West and Mid-Ulster offer an assuredly different dimension in the domestic game now. And that is well worth fighting for.
Featured image from Matt Mackey/Press Eye.
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