THE MISS FITZ

Trio of absentees a big issue for Saffrons boss

- BY PADDY TIERNEY

DAVY FITZGERALD is set to be without the services of three experienced players as Antrim hurlers look to bounce back from a disappointing year.

The Saffrons will ply their trade in the Joe McDonagh Cup in 2026 after losing their Liam MacCarthy Cup status at the end of the 2025 campaign.

Antrim did manage to retain their Division One status for 2026 and will face Clare, Wexford, Dublin, Carlow, Down and Kildare in the Division 1B Hurling League.

Their prospects for the new campaign have been dealt a blow with the news that Dunloy pair Ryan Elliott and his cousin Nigel Elliott won't be available while former captain Eoghan Campbell has also opted out.

Nigel's younger brother Seaan Elliott and fellow dual star Keelan Molloy were on the radar of new Antrim football boss Mark Doran (inset), but both men have opted to stick to hurling for 2026.