Antrim are clear favourites over Laois for this Saturday's All-Ireland clash at Portlaoise.
Antrim come into the game after a big defeat to Dublin in their Leinster SHC debut in Croke Park. They were truly outclassed by the Dubs. The Saffrons will be without key duo Shane McNaughton and Karl Stewart due to a vacation trip, while Paul Shields is carrying an injury.
Antrim Team: To Be Determined
Laois were also badly outclassed last time out, when they lost by 27 points to Galway. The O'Moore hurling manager Niall Rigney believes his side have improved since last month's defeat to face the Ulster champions.
Their task is not made any easier given that two-time All Star nominee James Young is missing through suspension. Also, Zane Keenan is out with a long-term injury. Colin Delaney replaces Young at midfield, while Eamon Jackman replaces Dane Peacock at right half-forward.
Laois Team:
T Doran; JA Delaney, D Maher, B Stapleton; M Whelan, B Campion, M McEvoy; C Delaney, J Walsh; E Jackman, O Holohan, W Hyland; E Costelloe, J Rowney, J Purcell.
These sides have met four times in the Championship in the last four years. In their meeting, the Saffrons won which was last year’s relegation play-off.
Despite missing a few key players, I think that Antrim should progress to the next round. They put up a great performance (especially going into injury-time) to win the Ulster SHC Final against Down last Sunday.
Winner: Antrim
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Friday, July 3, 2009
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