Preview: Leinster SHC: Antrim v Laois
May 02, 2015
Laois make the long trip to Ballycastle to take on Antrim in the Leinster SHC.
Laois will travel to Ballycastle tomorrow hoping to heap further misery on Antrim.
It will be the third time that these two counties have met this year and Cheddar Plunkett and his charges will be targeting a third win on the bounce against the Saffrons who are still reeling from their relegation to Division 2A.
Under pressure Antrim boss Kevin Ryan has handed John Dillon his debut at left half-back.
He is one of seven U21s called up to the squad following their shock play-off defeat to Kerry three weeks ago while PJ O'Connell, Barry McFall and Jackson McGreevey are notable absentees.
"We're hurting from the league, but we can't wallow in it either," Waterford native Ryan pointed out. "It's a short space of time to get ready, but the lads have responded well, their attitude has been fantastic."
The return of Matthew Whelan is one of three changes in the Laois defence.
The Borris-in-Ossory/Kilcotton clubman returns at centre back after missing the Division 1B relegation play-off against the same opposition through injury. Whelan is included at the expense of his namesake Paddy Whelan.
The other changes see Enda Rowland replace his St Lazerian's club-mate Eoin Reilly between the posts and Brian Stapleton come in for Jimmy Walsh at left corner-back.
"We're looking forward to the challenge to travel up to Ballycastle, to Antrim's backyard as such," Plunkett remarked. "We're mad for hurling and looking forward to the game."
Verdict - Laois.
Antrim team: Chris O'Connell; Ryan McCambridge, Neal McAuley, Aaron Graffin; Simon McCrory, Conor McKinley, John Dillon; Neil McManus, Michael Bradley; Michael Dudley, Paul Shiels, Eoghan Campbell; Ciaran Clarke, Dessie McClean, Conor Johnson.
Laois team: Enda Rowland; John A Delaney, Cahir Healy, Brian Stapleton; Joe Fitzpatrick, Matthew Whelan, Conor Dunne; Zane Keenan, Patrick Purcell; PJ Scully, Joe Campion, Charles Dwyer; Ross King, Willie Hyland, Tommy Fitzgerald.
Match details: Sunday, Ballycastle, 3.30pm.
Referee: Paud O'Dwyer.
Odds: Antrim 7/4, Draw 9/1, Laois 8/15.
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