Saffrons make changes for relegation battle

Ulster champions Antrim have made four alterations for tomorrow's (Saturday's) All-Ireland SHC relegation semi-final against Offaly at Croke Park.

Back into the line-up, having missed the 1-16 to 0-21 final qualifier loss to Laois, come attackers Brian McFall, Colm McGuckian, full-back Gavin Bell and goalkeeper Gareth Magee.

DD Quinn loses out to Dunloy's Magee, who has been known to turn long range frees into points, while Kieran Kelly makes way for Bell, and McFall and McGuckian's inclusions see Ainle O'Caireallain and Karl Stewart indirectly replaced.

2003 Ulster GAA Writers' Hurler of the year McFall is a bolstering addition to the Saffrons' ranks in what is Antrim's first championship clash with Offaly since 1999. The northerners trail 3-1 from previous meetings.

Built around the midfield fulcrum of Michael Scullion and captain Jim Connolly, Antrim's caretaker managerial team of former boss Jim Nelson, Malachy Elliott and Joe Edwards, have opted for a number of positional switches.

Johnny Campbell shifts to the left wing with Karl McKeegan filling the centre half-back role.

Dunloy attacker Paddy Richmond steps back from full-forward to the left wing, with young half-forward Michael Herron also on the move - the Lamh Dhearg clubman will line out on right wing at headquarters.

ANTRIM (SHC v Offaly): G Magee; M Kettle, G Bell, C Herron; G Cunningham, K McKeegan, J Campbell; M Scullion, J Connolly (capt); M Herron, C McGuickian, P Richmond; J McIntosh, B McFall, A Delargy.