Allianz National Hurling League Division One – Group B
Antrim v Waterford
Venue: Corrigan Park, Belfast – Throw in: 1pm
Referee: Thomas Gleeson (Dublin)
Two weeks from the defeat to Dublin, the games don’t get any easier for the Saffrons. The team has been named for their match tomorrow with Waterford and manager Darren Gleeson has made a number of changes.
In defence, David Kearney and Ryan McGarry come in for Naomh Eanna pair Joe Maskey and Niall O’Connor. Daniel McKernan comes back into the starting midfield after some positive performances off the bench at the expense of Scott Walsh and partners Keelan Molloy in midfield.
A few positional changes in attack with Michael Bradley making a welcome return from injury, Niall McKenna missing out altogether with Conal Cunnning and Domhnall Nugent making up the half forward line with Bradley.
On the bench, Matthew Donnelly and Conor McCann make the match-day panel for the first time this season. If McCann makes an appearance it will be the first time he has been on the pitch with the Bennett brothers from Ballysaggart since Creggan famously defeated Ballysaggart in the All-Ireland junior hurling final back in 2014.
It’s two weeks that were badly needed for a squad who have put everything they have into the Antrim shirt during this league campaign. On another day or campaign, they could have been sitting with at least two points from their previous two matches. Competitive performances against Kilkenny in Nowlan Park as well as the Dubs on the Whiterock Road a fortnight ago. A second half that saw Dublin’s defence snuff out the Antrim threat and their forwards movement to manufacture space and chances and keep the Saffrons at bay. Antrim played well in the first half and were unlucky to not go in at half time ahead.
Lady Luck hasn’t been on the side of the Saffrons so far and some might argue they are due a rub of the green. It would be welcome for us all who’ll be shouting them on from the terracing and stand at Corrigan Park tomorrow.
Waterford crushed Laois last day out, defeating the O’Moore County 7-31 to 0-19 at Walsh Park. Without the services of the strong Ballygunner contingent. Stephen Bennett with a hat-trick while Ciaran Kirwan, Patrick Curran, Cathrach Daly and Austin Gleeson all weighed in with majors and Tadgh DeBurca returned from an 18 month lay off from injury, Bennett top scoring with 3-8. All very impressive against a side who as we know, we’ve had our problems against in the recent past.
But, this is exactly where we want Antrim to be. Playing at the top table and rubbing shoulders with the best in the game. The Deise are certainly that.
The crowd played their part against Dublin, it was great to see a big crowd there for our team. They will need us again tomorrow.
- Ryan Elliott
- David Kearney
- Gerard Walsh
- Stephen Rooney
- Paddy Burke
- Eoghan Campbell
- Ryan McGarry
- Keelan Molloy
- Daniel McKernan
- Michael Bradley
- Domhnall Nugent
- Conal Cunning
- Seaan Elliott
- Neil McManus
- Conor Johnston