By Niall McCoy

ANTRIM hurling captain Conor McCann is still hopeful that their Division 2A final with Kerry will be played in the coming months.

Darren Gleeson’s side were due to face the Kingdom on March 15 at Croke Park, but the game was postponed a couple of days beforehand due to the coronavirus outbreak.

While the situation remains very much up in the air, the Creggan hurler is remaining optimistic that some resolution can still be found.

“Most of our lads are trying to keep as positive as possible and we’re hoping that we are preparing for a league final,” said McCann.

“What’s most likely going to happen if we get back playing is that the leagues will be finished first and then we will move into the championship.

“It’s sounding like they will give the teams maybe two to four weeks in preparation.

“Just even for player safety and welfare, looking after injuries and things like that. The players have to get back up to that level.”

The Antrim players have all been working on individual fitness programmes, but McCann admits that the impact simply can’t match that of training sessions.

“It’s just strange with the players having to stay at home,” he said.

“I know most players are trying to keep things ticking over and doing something to keep their levels up, but you can only do so much when you’re not in a group setting.”

n.mccoy@gaeliclife.com