Antrim anxious of further departures to US ahead of Tailteann Cup campaign

Antrim’s forthcoming Tailteann Cup campaign could be undermined by further departures from the panel following their heavy 1-20 to 0-10 defeat to Cavan at Corrigan Park on Saturday.

However, assistant manager Stevie O’Neill stressed that the Antrim management wouldn’t stand in the way of players looking to spend the summer in the US.

First-choice full-back Ricky Johnston left the Saffrons just two weeks before facing Cavan in the Championship and it is understood the Creggan clubman is already stateside.

Antrim vs Cavan: Player ratings from Saturday's Ulster SFC tie

His club-mate Oisin Kerr has also left the panel in recent weeks along with fellow goalkeeper Luke Mulholland.

The much-maligned Tommy Murphy Cup suffered greatly as players left county panels once their team exited the provincial stage.

O’Neill says he understands the lure of America, but has urged Antrim to regroup for the next stage of their Championship campaign.

“I am sure that the boys who are committed to playing football here will want to give a good account of themselves in the Tailteann Cup,” O’Neill said.

“I enjoyed a summer there too (in America) so I can’t complain if somebody wants to do that.

“If you’re a young lad and you want to do that, I have no issues with that.

“Everyone makes their own decisions themselves.

“But if there is anything in anybody, they’ll want to show something better than that today (Saturday).”

Indeed, few envisaged such a one-sided victory for Cavan with Antrim competing in Division Three this year while the Breffnimen won Division Four.

Despite only leading by a point at half-time, Cavan were much the better side playing against the breeze.

Gearoid McKiernan’s second half goal was the catalyst for Cavan to pull clear