Offaly Retains Leinster SHC Status, Relegates 14-Man Antrim to Joe McDonagh Cup

Antrim's three-year tenure in the Leinster Senior Hurling Championship ended with a 3-15 to 1-16 defeat to Offaly, resulting in their relegation to the Joe McDonagh Cup for 2026. The match was marked by an early setback for Antrim when Niall O'Connor received a red card in the seventh minute, reducing them to 14 men and forcing them to play the majority of the game at a disadvantage. Despite this, Antrim showed resilience, particularly in the second half where they performed strongly against the wind and nearly completed a comeback after James McNaughton's goal brought them within one point. Offaly, led by key contributions from Brian Duignan, Dan Ravenhill, and Killian Sampson, managed to secure their place in the top-tier Leinster Championship with a late goal sealing the win. Antrim manager Davy Fitzgerald expressed pride in his team's effort and emphasized that the squad has the potential to bounce back, though the defeat leaves his future in doubt. The game highlighted Offaly's improved fight and work ethic, while Antrim's repeated red cards over recent matches have proven costly.