By Michael McMullan

ANTRIM’S next challenge is one for Davy Fitzgerald to really get his teeth into with a trip to Offaly this weekend.

On the opening day, their drubbing at the hands of Dublin left more questions than answers. The scoreline was reflective.

Sunday in Corrigan and the Saffrons picked up a first win but the next step up the ladder is to win on the road.

Antrim have taken many teams to the Whiterock Road venue and hurled with the best.

Carlow’s win over Waterford rubberstamped the lie of the land in Division 1B. Dublin are the hunted. The rest, well, they beat each other on their way.

Offaly and Carlow played out a draw with the Faithful County winning in Portlaoise with nine points to spare at the weekend. Brian Duignan and Dan Ravenhill will be the prominent names in Antrim’s analysis this week.

Paddy Burke will have an important part to play with Conall Bohill and Eoghan Campbell sitting in front.

Brothers Seaan and Nigel Elliott are key men with attackers James McNaughton and Keelan Molloy the men to ask questions of Offaly’s defence.

Antrim haven’t won away from home since a championship win over Westmeath in May 2023. It was the same day Neil McManus waved goodbye to the inside of the bubble.

He is now in the trenches as part of Fitzgerald’s management team, hoping to lead the county forward.

Michael McShane’s u-20 team were winners over Derry last weekend, indicating what is coming into the senior ranks in the years ahead.

The performance in Dublin was a disappointment. Victory over Westmeath was both expected and vital.

Sunday will tell more about what’s under Antrim’s hood. A victory is well within reach.