Allianz National Hurling League Division One relegation play-off: Antrim v Offaly (today, Navan, 3pm – streamed live on TG4 Sport YouTube)
AND so, it comes down to this. After all the effort it took to get there, the close run things and the what might have beens, there is no room for any more hard luck stories as Antrim head to Navan on a must-win mission.
Since earning promotion back up to the top flight in 2020, Darren Gleeson was determined that they stay there. That objective was achieved last year by virtue of battling performances on the familiar sod of Corrigan Park, but it is far from home where their season will be defined today.
Sure there’s the Joe McDonagh Cup to come next month, a chance to earn another crack at a Leinster Championship breakthrough, but lose to Offaly today and all else pales into insignificance really. Division One, consistently competing against the top counties, this is where Antrim have to be if they are to continue to progress in the years ahead.
The warm glow 2021 brought may have dimmed with time, but pats on the back were rightly forthcoming as the Saffrons produced stirring performances in narrow defeat to Dublin and Waterford.
Gleeson’s men have proved beyond any doubt they are equipped to mix it at this level. If results on the road suggest otherwise, then welcoming illustrious opponents to west Belfast has brought out their best - even if they don’t have points to show for it.
Antrim come into this afternoon’s relegation play-off on the back of a heavy defeat to Tipperary, but it wasn’t that thrashing in Thurles that left them peering over the cliff’s edge. Instead, the damage was done on that forgettable day in O’Moore Park last month, the Saffrons losing to a Laois side reduced to 14 before half-time.
That they performed so poorly when so much was at stake has to be a concern heading into a similar scenario today, except this time there are no second chances. With margin for error removed, Antrim simply have to hit the ground running against an Offaly side whose confidence has taken a hiding in the top flight.
It is hardly a surprise, but Division 1A has proved a chastening experience for the newly-promoted Faithful. Up against Wexford, Cork, Galway, Clare and All-Ireland champions Limerick, their average losing margin has been 17 points.
In the wake of last weekend’s hammering at the hands of the Treaty, boss Michael Fennelly admitted it has been a “deflating” campaign. That should be music to Antrim ears.
So too should Offaly’s scoring return. While the Saffrons’ full-back line has looked shaky at times, they have to be heartened by the Faithful’s 17 point average thus far. If Offaly don’t improve on that, they won’t win.
The Saffrons are expected to undertake their survival mission without the steadying influence of the experienced Neil McManus, out with a hamstring injury, and most likely the injured Michael Bradley and Niall McKenna.
However, with the sun expected to shine on Pairc Tailteann today, the Saffrons must play to their strengths and use their natural pace and athleticism to punish their opponents.
Loughgiel’s James McNaughton will likely start again, and could assume free-taking responsibility in the absence of McManus. He could also run Offaly ragged if he finds form.
Ballycastle forward Ciaran Clarke has started the past two games, while Conor Johnston is another option alongside the likes of Dunloy duo Conal Cunning and Seann Elliott. Club-mate Keelan Molloy could hold the key, as he emerged with considerable credit from last weekend’s dead rubber at Semple Stadium, his strong running from deep and deadly delivery so difficult to contain.
That result will already have been forgotten. Today is all that matters – the Saffrons can stand up and secure another year among hurling’s elite.
