‘Saffron Vision’ bid to oust Antrim board

A group of Antrim gaels are to make an audacious bid to oust the county board at this year’s annual convention.

The group called ‘Saffron Vision’ are putting eight nominees forward and are asking clubs to vote for them en bloc to effectively overthrow the current regime.

In a letter sent out to all clubs this week, the group claimed it was their “firm belief that a new county board is required to effect the change necessary to lift Antrim to a new level”.

Outlining their mission statement, the group said the current set-up in Antrim “does not reflect our true potential” and that existing structures “are not serving the county well”.

Brendan Mulgrew, one of the eight men seeking election and a former county PRO, admitted their orchestrated campaign for change is unusual, but totally necessary to reinvigorate a success-starved county.

“We don’t intend to get involved in any tit for tat with the county board,” Mulgrew said. “They have all put in a massive effort and we are not pointing the finger at anyone.

“There is an appetite for change and we are using the democratic structures that are in place. We are doing it in a positive way.”

Among their key concerns is the lack of progress over major infrastructure developments at Casement Park and Dunsilly.

“There is huge frustration over Dunsilly, and Casement has been closed for three years now, which is heart-breaking for all of us,” added Mulgrew.

“It’s over to the clubs now. We will talk to them and assess the mood ahead. If they agree with that vision, then they can vote for us.”

Antrim’s county convention takes place on December 7.