Davy Fitzgerald is set to be without the services of three experienced players for the 2026 campaign
Davy Fitzgerald is set to be without the services of three experienced players as Antrim hurlers look to bounce back from a disappointing campaign.
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.
It remains to be seen if the Cushendall defender will be back later in the campaign but, for now, Antrim will be without the trio for at least the first part of the season.
Nigel’s younger brother Seaan Elliott and fellow dual star Keelan Molloy were on the radar of new Antrim football boss Mark Doran, but both men have opted to stick to hurling for 2026.
With first-choice goalkeeper Ryan Elliott gone, Fitzgerald has recalled St John’s star Domhnall Nugent to the panel.
The former Antrim attacker helped his club side win a first hurling Championship title since 1973 last month and they’ll face Slaughtneil in next weekend’s Ulster final.
Nugent’s playing career is enjoying a resurgence since replacing the injured Simon Doherty in nets for St John’s this season.
His club colleagues Ryan McNulty, Shea Shannon and Ciaran Johnston are also set to link up with the Antrim squad once their club season comes to a conclusion.
It is understood that Peter McCallin won’t be available for Antrim next season as he is set to travel in the next year.
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