Ulster Hurling Championship 2009

[Owenbeg]

Screen pitch is terrible, i just dont understand why its the county pitch. Antrim teams dont like comin out of antrim, only time we ever got one out was for a mageean final, and havent since one back since. Think our own pitch at Kevin Lynch park would be the best venue, but unfortunatley we dont have any changing rooms yet.....

[Derry Daisy]

Screen pitch is terrible, i just dont understand why its the county pitch. Antrim teams dont like comin out of antrim, only time we ever got one out was for a mageean final, and havent since one back since. Think our own pitch at Kevin Lynch park would be the best venue, but unfortunatley we dont have any changing rooms yet.....

So can you explain to me why there is a double header there this weekend?

The pitch is great but the facilities are nowhere near good enough to honest 2 senior championship matches, complete madness.

[Derry Daisy]

We shall soon see about that 

[orangeman]

McNaughton and McKinley step down 

McNaughton and McKinley were in charge for three seasons
Sambo McNaughton and Dominic McKinley have stepped down from the Antrim senior hurling management.

McNaughton had hinted that the duo were likely to resign after this summer's campaign and they informed the county board of their decision on Monday.

The pair guided Antrim to three Ulster Hurling titles and a Walsh Cup success during their three years in charge.

However, their team failed to make an impact in the Championship and the Saffrons must look for new management.

McKinley's decision to step down also appears to have been influenced by his recent appointment as a full-time GAA coach.

McNaughton has said that their three-year stint "turned out very disappointing" after they started out with such high hopes.

There were high hopes for 2009 after the county were granted entry into the Leinster Championship but they bowed out in disappointing fashion against Dublin and the season went on to finish in something of a whimper.

McNaughton and McKinley didn't have a lot of luck during their term with key players getting injured at the wrong time.

Talented youngster Neil McManus was out for most of last season as the Saffrons were unable to build upon from the promise of their Walsh Cup win.

Paul Shields' absence was a major blow this year and the management weren't helped by a number of players being on holiday for big games because of confusion over fixture dates.

McNaughton has indicated that he will step away from management for the foreseeable future.