Antrim’s Tailteann Cup hopes hit by withdrawals and injuries

Antrim’s prospects of progressing to the next round of the Tailteann Cup have suffered a body blow following a wrath of injuries and withdrawals ahead of Saturday’s trip to Leitrim.

The Saffrons bowed out of the Ulster Championship following a 13-point loss to Cavan in Corrigan Park last month.

Prior to that game, Antrim lost the services of their first-choice goalkeeper Oisin Kerr and regular full-back Ricky Johnston.

Derry vs Donegal: Our expert panel give their verdict on the 2022 Ulster Final

Enda McGinley is also now without Marty Johnston, Ricky’s brother, Tomas McCann, Eunan Walsh and Ronan Boyle - all of whom have stepped away from the squad for various reasons.

In a further blow to the Saffrons, Michael McCann is currently sidelined through injury as is defender James McAuley.

Both Johnston and Walsh were unused substitutes against Cavan, but the McCann siblings both started.

Tomas was replaced at half-time while Michael was sent off following a second yellow card in the second half.

The Antrim boss has drafted in a number of U20s to bolster his squad ahead of Saturday’s Tailteann Cup first round tie.

Speaking at the launch of the new competition last week, Antrim midfielder Conor Stewart says the turnover of players in the squad is disappointing.

“I think sometimes if you get a disappointing result, it’s easy them for boys to walk," said Stewart.

“It’s easier for the Dublins and the Kerrys winning All-Irelands and keeping commitment levels so high.

“Playing for Antrim, the commitment levels are so high and sometimes the rewards....you’re playing really for one big day a year. Hopefully something like this (the Tailteann Cup) can reduce that turnover of players.”

The Ballymena native says that a core group of