"If something isn't done, Antrim hurling is going to fall off the map. And if something isn't done across Ulster, we'll have nothing but exhibition games here in 10 years."

That's the stark warning issued by former Antrim All Star Terence 'Sambo' McNaughton in the wake of the Saffrons relegation to Division 2A.

Speaking to The Irish Independent, 'Sambo', who was a member of the Hurling 20/20 committee, described last Saturday's play-off defeat to Kerry as a 'disaster' and a 'dark day for Antrim hurling'.

"Fair play to Kerry, they were all fired up for it but that's the sort of game Antrim teams should be winning.

"You can call 2A what you want but, in reality, it's the third level and that's where Antrim will be next year. Worse still, there's no guarantee we'll get out of it."

McNaughton was sitting beside Dominic 'Wood' McKinley as events unfolded in the Parnell Park.

"It was soul-destroying. We played for Antrim for years; we managed the team; this is our county; we love hurling.

"And to see how it's gone in Antrim is shocking. There were no more than 20 Antrim supporters in Parnell Park and I could name every single one of them.

"It was our most important game for years but there's such an apathy about hurling in Antrim now that people couldn't be bothered travelling to support the team."

He added: "I'm not surprised by what's happened. In fact, I predicted it ten years ago. I have always argued that our juvenile and minor teams should be playing in Leinster, which would bring them on. They have to be playing at a higher level - that's the only way they will improve.

"As far as I'm concerned the Antrim county board has failed, the Ulster Council has failed and now it's time for Croke Park to take charge and make things happen.

"We need real investment but it has to be properly targeted and there has to be accountability for it. It worked in Dublin and it can work in Antrim too if it's done properly."

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