2026 has proven to be a difficult year for Antrim up to this point, with the county struggling in both league and championship in recent months.

Davy Fitzgerald’s side would lose five of their six games in Division 1B on the National Hurling League, although they just about managed to avoid relegation thanks to a superior scoring difference over both Carlow and Down.

While it would have been hoped that the Ulster county would improve once the Joe McDonagh Cup got underway, they are already under pressure in that competition.

Antrim would lose their opening game against Down, having also been beaten by the same opposition in the league. There are now serious doubts around their chances of securing a top two finish in the group, something that would condemn them to the second tier for another season.

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Antrim Legend Growing Tired Of Davy Fitzgerald Approach

Antrim would suffer relegation from the Liam MacCarthy in 2025, losing all five of their games in the Leinster Championship. It was somewhat of a surprise to see Davy Fitzgerald continue as manager this season despite this, although some are growing tired of his tenure with the team.

Speaking to Michael Verney of the Irish Independent, Antrim legend Gary O’Keane admitted that he is not impressed with the defensive tactics that have been employed by Fitzgerald throughout the 2026 campaign.

The way Davy sets up, I don’t like slating anyone that’s in charge of a team because I’ve been in charge of them myself and I know the craic but when it’s not working for two seasons in a row and you’re getting bad results, something has to change…

It’s a shocking state of affairs, to be honest…

The players are there but unless we change our set-up and our style of play, I don’t think we’ll come out in the top two but the players are there to do it.

They’re more than capable of hurling anybody when they’re allowed to.

This tactical approach would be one thing if Antrim were winning games, but it seems clear that it has not worked this season.

The Saffron County still have an opportunity to turn their season around over the coming weeks, although Saturday’s trip to Laois already looks like a must win for Davy Fitzgerald’s side if they are to harbour realistic ambitions of reaching a Joe McDonagh Cup final.

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