Manager at odds with Antrim hurlers

Antrim hurling manager Dinny Cahill walked out on his squad's training session last night after only fifteen players turned up.

Cahill, who took charge of the Saffrons from Sean McNaughton in November 2001, was preparing his side for a must-win All-Ireland SHC qualifier against Laois on Saturday.

But it is looking increasingly likely that the Tipperary man is about to resign over the failure of some players to commit to inter-county hurling.

Michael Kettyle, Gavin Bell and Brendan Herron are all away on holidays for Saturday's Casement Park clash, while only twelve players reportedly made themselves available for training last night.

The three others present refused to take part in the session, citing the fact that they had played three matches in the past four days, and with that, Cahill stormed off.

A loss to Laois at the weekend would see the Saffrons, who are likely to be looked after by Cahill's selectors Malachy Elliott and Joe Edwards and team trainer Noel Brick, fighting to avoid the drop to the second-tier Christy Ring Cup for next season.

Laois, meanwhile, have made a number of changes for the trip north.

John Walsh comes in for Brian Campin at corner-back, while dual star Darren Rooney is replaced by Pat Mahon at centre back.

Paudie Butler's side have yet to win in qualifier Group One, following losses to Galway and Limerick, and will be reliant again on wing forward James Young, who hit 1-5 last weekend against the Shannonsiders.

LAOIS (SHC v Antrim): P Mullally; J Walsh, P Cuddy, M McEvoy; J Fitzpatrick, P Mahon, S Dwyer; J Walsh, J Phelan; J Rowney, L Tynan, J Young; T Fitzgerald, M Rooney, D Culleton.