Hurling & Camogie

Antrim hurlers will "uphold integrity of Joe McDonagh competition" and face Westmeath despite Covid cases

Antrim senior hurling manager Darren Gleeson has trust in the strength of his squad Picture: Seamus Loughran.
Antrim senior hurling manager Darren Gleeson has trust in the strength of his squad Picture: Seamus Loughran. Antrim senior hurling manager Darren Gleeson has trust in the strength of his squad Picture: Seamus Loughran.

THE Antrim hurlers will "uphold the integrity of the competition" and fulfil their Joe McDonagh fixture with Westmeath at Corrigan Park on Sunday despite being hit by more Covid cases.

For Antrim officials and senior hurling manager Darren Gleeson, pulling out of their Championship opener was not an option even though a blanket test of their senior panel has revealed six positive cases in total and one further positive result of a backroom team member.

Gleeson is also without Neil McManus and other key members of the panel due to injuries picked up during last Sunday’s Division Two promotion play-off win over Kerry in Tullamore.

On Tuesday, it emerged one squad member tested positive and three players, deemed close contacts, were also tested which yielded two further positive results and one negative.

The player who received a negative result is self-isolating.

In a statement, Antrim GAA said: “On Tuesday, Antrim GAA and Croke Park implemented the rapid testing system protocol for all the remaining personnel who attended Sunday’s final in Tullamore.

“Test results have now been returned with two more players and one back room staff testing positive. We wish these individuals a speedy recovery."

The statement continued: “In total, six players (five positive and one self-isolating) and one member of the backroom team are affected.

“In relation to first round of Joe McDonagh Cup scheduled for Sunday October 25 against Westmeath, while Covid and injuries will result in depleted squad numbers, we in Antrim have confidence in all panel members and we put our best foot forward on Sunday aiming for a victory on the pitch while also upholding the integrity of the competition in a sporting manner.”

Antrim’s approach was in stark contrast to the Waterford footballers who effectively forfeited their NFL Division Four tie with Antrim’s footballers for fear of Covid north of the border, citing that some squad members would have to quarantine for two weeks, at the behest of their employers, upon their return even though there is no medical precedent to do so on the island of Ireland.

They wanted the game played in Dublin.

Antrim officials tried to accommodate Waterford by moving the game from Portglenone to Belfast and had sourced accommodation for their visitors. The offer was declined.