McKeegan to lead Saffrons at Salthill

Karl McKeegan is to continue in his role as Antrim senior hurling captain, as the managerial reign of Dominic McKinley and Terence McNaughton gets off the ground this weekend.

McKeegan, appointed as skipper by previous manager Jim McKernan, will put the disappointment of Cushendall's All-Ireland championship exit behind him to lead Antrim against Galway in the National League on Sunday (Pearse Stadium, throw-in 2.30pm).

The Saffrons will be hoping for a repeat of their shock 1-14 to 0-16 win over Galway, twelve months ago. However, they are missing their top scorer from that day, corner forward Johnny McIntosh, who shot 1-7 against the Tribesmen.

The Oisin Glenariffe clubman is in hospital, recovering from a groin operation and is hoping to return in mid-March for the league clash with Tipperary.

Dunloy teenager Paul Shields has been rewarded for some good early season form - he goaled against Wexford in the Walsh Cup recently - with the left corner forward berth.

ANTRIM (NHL v Galway) - DD Quinn; B McAuley, J McKeague, S Delargy; C Herron, J Campbell, M Molloy; K McKeegan (capt), B Herron; K Stewart, L Watson, M Herron; P Richmond, N McAuley, P Shields.