THE TEAM selections for tomorrow's Ulster hurling final have attracted most attention because Antrim have dropped Terence "Sambo" McNaughton, which leaves only two survivors - Gary O'Kane and Paul McKillen - of Antrim's All- Ireland finalists of eight years ago.
Down have changed half the team from last year and are in transition.operating at a higher level in Division Two and their form improved towards the end of the season.
Down, on the other hand, didn't exactly erase memories of their poor League results with a late-got victory over Derry. Changes have been made to the team and manager Frank Dawson is confident that they can surprise Antrim.
Antrim desperately need a lift. Becalmed between respectability and indigence in the League and with their All-Ireland championship entry level pegged back to the quarter-final status, the county looks to be experiencing a damping down of confidence at a time when hurling is making such an impact nationally.
Adding to the sense of stagnation is the fact that with Down struggling to replenish their scarce playing stock, the Ulster final, which had become a significant annual event, is in danger of losing its competitive edge - at least Antrim will hope that it has.
The Connacht Council has decided to call a number of players and officials to a disciplinary meeting next Friday in connection with the fracas at the football semi-final between Leitrim and Mayo.
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