THE Antrim senior hurling panel has received a timely boost by the return of Dunloy quartet Keelan Molloy, Ryan Elliott, Seaan Elliott and Nigel Elliott ahead of their Leinster SHC series which gets underway next month.
The talented foursome took a break from inter-county hurling after a punishing but highly successful few seasons with the Cuchullain’s club.
The condensed nature of the split season undoubtedly impacted on the players’ decision to take a step back, especially with little or no rest between the club and county timetables.
It is understood manager Darren Gleeson held talks with the four players and is expected to officially announce their return to the fold.
Allied to their absences, Antrim had to absorb a high amount of injuries in 2024 which made Antrim’s Division 1B campaign exceptionally difficult this season.
But with Molloy and the three Elliotts back and other experienced men hoping to get back on the field from injury, Antrim should be a better shape for another challenging Leinster Championship which begins against Kilkenny in Nowlan Park on April 21.