By Michael McMullan

DUNLOY must begin the preparations for their defence of the Volunteer Cup after two of their key players have transferred to New York for the summer.

Keelan Molloy and Seaan Elliott were key players in Darren Gleeson’s Joe McDonagh Cup winning season with Antrim.

The duo have made the transfer to the Tipperary club, where they will join Antrim defender Gerard Walsh.

Dunloy – who sit fifth in the League with four games to play – completed their three-in-a-row last season before losing to Sleacht Néill in the Ulster Championship.

They will start this year’s season in a group with Ballycastle, Rossa and Carey Faughs.

Bellaghy footballer Keelan Friel has also made the trip to New York where he will play for the Westmeath club, with John Ross Molloy (Ardara) and Mark McKerney (Dungannon) also making the switch to the Empire State.