The first-half sending-off of Ulster midfielder Neil McManus for two yellow cards spoiled this encounter, but Connacht still struggled to impose themselves in Ballinasloe and it wasn’t until Eanna Ryan’s goal six minutes from time that Anthony Cunningham’s men could breathe easily.

Cormac Donnelly and Eddie McCloskey have been named in the Antrim team to face Wexford in Sunday's Leinster SHC quarter-final at Wexford Park (throw-in 3.30pm).

Laois 0-20 Antrim 0-16

ANTRIM boss Dinny Cahill has called for intercounty players who are full-time students to be given a “wage” during the summer months to keep them at home during the championship season.

Antrim 4-22 Down 1-12

THE All-Ireland SFC qualifier between Kildare and Antrim will go ahead as scheduled tomorrow night in Newbridge, and Dermot Earley jnr will be available to line out for the Lilywhites.

The All-Ireland U-21 Hurling Championship was launched at Croke Park yesterday by a number of stars who will be involved in it.

ULSTER’S spirited display in the M Donnelly Interprovincial hurling semi-final in Fermoy brought some welcome respite from the miserable weather conditions that enveloped the Cork town on Saturday.

There are seven players from Antrim in the selected Ulster team for tomorrow's M Donnelly Interprovincial hurling semi-final against Connacht at Ballybofey, throw-in 6pm.