Antrim, Down axis for Ulster hurling side

Antrim and Down players dominate the squad that Ulster manager John Crossey has selected for Sunday's Martin Donnelly Interprovincial hurling semi-final against Munster at Casement Park (throw-in 2.30pm).

Crossey, the current Down boss and a native of Belfast, has selected eight Antrim players and ten Down representatives in his 23-man panel.

Six from each county will start Sunday's tie for the northerners, who have never won an Interpro hurling title.

Derry pair Liam Hinphey and Mickey Conway have been selected in defence, while Gregory Biggs, another Oak Leafer, forms a midfield partnership with Down's Andy Savage.

Antrim attacker Brian McFall, who hit 1-7 in last season's semi-final loss to eventual winners Connacht, has been selected at right half-forward.

ULSTER (Interpro SH v Connacht): DD Quinn (Antrim); M Kettle (Antrim), L Hinphey (Derry), M Conway (Derry); S Wilson (Down), G Bell (Antrim) (capt), G Clarke (Down); G Biggs (Derry), A Savage (Down); B McFall (Antrim), P Braniff (Down), B McGourty (Down); K Stewart (Antrim), G Johnson (Down), J McIntosh (Antrim).

Replacements: G Clarke (Down), G Savage (Down), R Convery (Derry), L Richmond (Antrim), S Clarke (Down), S McBride (Derry), M Coulter (Down), K McKeegan).