Down senior hurling manager Jim McKernan has issued a personal apology to Limerick boss Justin McCarthy for not being able to fulfil a challenge game between the two sides at Ballycastle at the weekend due to insufficient numbers on his team's part. It is understood that a number of Down players were making their way to the Antrim venue by car when was realised that they would not have the numbers to field at team, which resulted in the fixture not being played and McKernan having to issue an apology to his opposite number and the organisers of the game. "I've made an apology to Justin McCarthy and the Antrim organiser (Dick McKeague)," said McKernan. "The matter is being dealt with internally. At this point in time, we're looking forward to the Derry game." Down open their Christy Ring Cup campaign this Saturday against Derry in Newry and their manager still has high hopes of making a positive start to the competition. "We're upbeat about the Derry game," he added. "We had a good turn-out at training, so hopefully we can get off to a good start." Tweet

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