McKillen answers Saffrons’ call

Paul McKillen is to take on a role as part of the Antrim senior hurling management team for the 2006 season.

The former Saffrons midfielder, who won an All-Star award in 1993, has accepted a request from newly-appointed Antrim manager Jim McKernan to come aboard as a selector.

McKillen had initially hoped to succeed Dinny Cahill as county boss, but he withdrew from the managerial race in late November because of a delay in the selection process.

Antrim County chairman John McSparran told the Irish News: “I think that Paul will add another dimension to the management team. All the players would have a lot of respect for him because of his exploits on the field.

“When he played for Antrim he demonstrated the right attitude to the game and from that point of view he is a very significant plus for the management team.

“Hopefully, he will encourage a lot of people to get behind the team and support them.”

McKillen's appointment will be ratified at a meeting of the Antrim County Board on Wednesday night.

The Antrim hurlers, with Donegal man Paul Boyle as their new trainer, have been back training in Cushendun since early December. Their 2006 opener is a Walsh Cup trip to Birr to face Offaly on January 29.