National Hurling League: Antrim set sights on season opener against Wexford

Although Antrim’s 2025 hurling championship campaign did not go to plan, thoughts of the Joe McDonagh Cup have been put to one side for now as the Saffrons set their sights on their Division 1B opener away to Wexford on Saturday [16:00 GMT].

Last year, a victory over Laois in the final game proved crucial to their survival in the division as new boss Davy Fitzgerald sought to implement a fresh approach.

There have been changes this time around, not just in terms of playing personnel but in the management team with Seoirse Bulfin – who enjoyed All-Ireland success with Clare in 2013 and a 2019 Leinster title in Wexford alongside Fitzgerald – recruited as team coach in place of Pat Bennett after spells with Meath and Westmeath.

With the managerial band back together, Fitzgerald will seek to make gains this season, but they are in a hugely competitive Division 1B with Saturday’s opener followed by a home game against recent All-Ireland champions Clare.

Familiar foes Dublin and Carlow also lie in wait, as do last year’s McDonagh Cup winners Kildare and resurgent Ulster rivals Down, so the task ahead is not lost on Antrim who will seek to hit the ground running in Wexford Park.

“Everyone wants to test themselves against the best teams in the country and going to Wexford in the first game, you’re going to get a fair test down there as it’s a very tough place to play,” Bulfin told BBC Sport NI.

“We spent five years down there, Davy and I, so we know what it’s like and it will be a big test starting off. We will be under pressure for a few games but all you are doing is to get that fight and battling spirit into lads.

“It doesn’t get any easier the following week with Clare coming to town, All-Ireland champions in 2024. On top of that, you have Kildare who are on a great run of form, Carlow an exceptionally good team, then Dublin who beat Limerick in an All-Ireland quarter-final last year and finish up with old rivals Down.

“That’s a fantastic league to get you ready for championship as every game will be cut-throat.”