Allianz National Hurling League – Division 2A

Antrim vs Kerry @ Corrigan Park, Belfast – Throw In: 2pm

Referee: Sean Stack (Dublin)

By Brendan McTaggart

After a league campaign in 2018 of what might have been, Antrim have made a swift return to Division 2a for the forthcoming season.  The Saffrons stay in 1b lasted just one season so they will be well aware of the rigours that Division 2a will throw their way.  It’s far from easy sailing.

Two seasons ago, promotion was gained having finished second to Carlow in the league and only ahead of Kildare by virtue of a better score difference than the Lilywhite’s.  Promotion is far from a given and on Saturday they begin their campaign with a home match against familiar opposition. 

Kerry travel to Corrigan Park on Saturday on the back of a tough Munster League campaign and will be hoping for better fortunes in this years league compared to last years.  Three wins from five with defeats to Carlow and Westmeath left them sitting third at the end of the campaign but looking a bit closer to home, the Kingdom hurlers have had the better of the exchanges with Antrim in recent times.

Just last year in the inaugural Joe McDonagh Cup, Kerry travelled to Cushendall with Antrim still clinging onto hopes of making the final.  A blistering start and 17 points from Neil McManus wasn’t enough however as Kerry weathered the Saffrons storm and took the points by a score line of 1-20 to 2-21 to leave Antrim facing a relegation play-off with Kildare.

On that Saturday afternoon in June at Páirc Mhuire, the Saffrons were heavily reliant on McManus and his exploits with six of his 17 points coming from play.  On Saturday they’ll need someone else to step up to the plate.  Between club commitments and non-committals, Antrim will be without six of the starting 15 and two substitutes used on the day.  A tough opening day assignment has become more difficult looking at the bear facts but Antrim have rebuilt under Neal Peden this year.  With Gary O’Kane, Karl McKeegan and Jim Close in his backroom team, Peden has also brought on board ex-Tipperary ‘keeper Darren Gleeson on board.  Gleeson a commanding influence along the line in their Kehoe Cup final against Westmeath.

During their run to the Kehoe Cup Final, James McNaughton has been in scintillating form.  Three matches and scores of 0-14 (7 f’s), 2-10 (5 f’s) and 0-9 (6 f’s) against Wicklow, Kildare and Westmeath tells you all you need to know about the young Shamrock.  Eye catching to say the least and to consider his youthful years, he is at the beginning to what could be a glittering career.

Keelan Molloy and Nigel Elliott are transferring their club form into an Antrim shirt with Molloy in particular showing he has the appetite to excel in a Saffron shirt.  Newly announced Captain Conor McCann has led by example with his work rate and intensity and that has transferred across the team.  The work rate in pre-season has been hugely impressive and Antrim’s attacking unit is in good shape for the coming league campaign.  In defence, the return of Matthew Donnelly to the starting 15 has been a major bonus along with Simon McCrory.  The St John’s man in particular has been marshalling the Antrim defence during the Leinster pre season tournament along with John Dillon in full back.  The introduction of Phelim Duffin, Ronan Molloy and the return of Stephen Rooney to the starting 15 and Antrim have a tigerish defence who have improved with every game this season.

The introduction and ‘finds’ of Conor McHugh and Kevin Rice have been a huge plus for Peden and his backroom team.  McHugh played a huge part in Cushendun’s run to the Ulster junior championship final and hasn’t looked out of place in a Saffron shirt while Rice’s performances have caught the eye with his aerial ability and work rate shinning.

Kerry will travel to the Whiterock Road as favourites but after an unsure start to the season, Antrim have shown there is a squad capable of a promotion challenge.  Where they may faulter is the squad depth and with Cushendall and Naomh Éanna still involved in All-Ireland competitions, the squad will be tested to its limits.  A loss wouldn’t be the end of the world, promotion never runs straight forward and the pathway to 1b is never straightforward but an early couple of points on the board could do wonders for a young team playing with freedom and exuberance.  Let’s get out and throw our voices behind the young Saffs.  Their performances in the Kehoe Cup were promising, lets get behind them as they embark on the 2019 league campaign.