Leinster Under 20 Hurling Championship
Antrim v Dublin at Dowdalshill, Dundalk – Throw in 6-15
Antrim Under 20 hurling manager Michael McShane is none too pleased that his team have to travel back to Dundalk next Wednesday for the preliminary quarter final against Dublin. Tuesday evening’s win over Meath saw the Saffrons top their Tier 2-Group 2 section but have to travel for the third game in a row, while Kildare, who won Tier 2-Group 1 have a home fixture against Laois, who finished bottom of their Tier 1 group.
“Leinster council not playing fair with us at all. In the group stages we were fixed to play Westmeath in Mullingar and Meath in Navan but that game last night was changed to Dundalk as it was a Tuesday night. All away fixtures. Kildare won their Tier 2 group and now get home advantage against Laois who came bottom of their Tier 1 group. We win our Tier 2 group and now play Dublin who were bottom of their Tier 1 group. But the game is in Dundalk. Why not Corrigan? It’s only 90 minutes from Dublin. Why not allow us the same concessions as Kildare. Galway, like ourselves, are “invited guests” in to the Leinster U20 championship. They got a home game against Offaly in the group stages. Why are we treated differently?”
Despite Michael’s efforts the game still goes ahead at Dowdalshill, Dundalk and today he was appealing to Antrim fans to make the journey down to Dundalk tomorrow evening and support the young Saffrons.
“It would be great to see as many Antrim supporters as possible in Dundalk to back these young lads in this game. Sometimes that extra vocal backing can make the difference and more especially when it is young lads at this age. This panel has worked incredibly hard since we first got together 4 months ago and I believe that Antrims senior hurling future is in good hands with these young men if they continue to work as hard as that have done for me over the last few weeks and months. There is an abundance of talent in this age group and it would do their confidence the world of good to win on Wednesday night and progress to the next stage to play reigning AI champions, Offaly.“
