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Antrim must park 'turmoil' for London game - McManus
TL;DR
Antrim's Neil McManus urges the team to overcome recent turmoil ahead of their crucial Joe McDonagh Cup match against London. Both teams are seeking their first points of the campaign after disappointing starts.
Key points
- Neil McManus urges Antrim to overcome turmoil
- Antrim and London are joint bottom of the table
- Both teams seek their first points in the Joe McDonagh Cup
- Antrim faced a crisis after a players' letter to the county board
- Match scheduled for Sunday at 13:00 BST in Ruislip
Mentioned in this story
Neil McManusDavy Fitzgerald
AntrimLondonJoe McDonagh Cup
McManus was a member of Davy Fitzgerald's backroom team last season after retiring from inter-county hurling at the end of the 2023 season [Getty Images]
Former Antrim hurler Neil McManus feels 2026 "has been fraught with disappointment" for the Saffrons and despite being "let down by officials", has urged them to get back on track for Sunday's crunch Joe McDonagh Cup match against London in Ruislip [13:00 BST].
Antrim's defeat by Laois two weeks ago leaves them joint bottom of the table with London as both seek their first points of the campaign this weekend.
Following that loss, Antrim was plunged into crisis when a players' letter to the Antrim county board came to light last Tuesday (28 April), requesting a meeting to seek clarity on the status of manager Davy Fitzgerald and the issue of playing gear which wasn't delivered.
With no member of the county board available, players boycotted that evening's planned training session, leading to a subsequent statement from the county board denying reports there had been moves to oust Fitzgerald.
A meeting did then take place the following evening with confirmation Fitzgerald will remain as manager and, with the players back in training, McManus is hopeful the full focus is now on "a huge weekend" for the county's hurlers.
"We're in really unusual situation of utter turmoil over the past number of weeks and the Antrim hurlers' season has been fraught with disappointment," the former Antrim captain told BBC Sport NI's Mark Sidebottom.
"We just about managed to stay up in the league and now we are winless from the first two games in the Joe McDonagh, so it's paramount we get off and running this weekend in London.
"I think the players have dealt with it really well. [They've been] let down by officials, but have responded very well and have been mature.
"They were seeking some clarity and decided they were going to move forward, got back to training and I believe the connection between that group of players is very strong."
Q&A
What challenges is Antrim facing before the match against London?
Antrim is dealing with internal turmoil, including a players' letter requesting clarity on manager Davy Fitzgerald's status and issues with undelivered playing gear.
What is the significance of the Joe McDonagh Cup match for Antrim?
The match is crucial for Antrim as they seek their first points of the campaign after a disappointing defeat to Laois, leaving them joint bottom of the table.
Who is Neil McManus and what is his role with Antrim?
Neil McManus is a former Antrim hurler and was part of Davy Fitzgerald's backroom team last season, now urging the team to focus on their upcoming match.
When and where is the Antrim vs London match taking place?
The match between Antrim and London is scheduled for Sunday at 13:00 BST in Ruislip.
