FORMER Antrim boss Frank Dawson has linked up with Garreth Thornton’s Belleek for the upcoming season.

Thornton, entering his third year in charge, led the Laurence O’Toole’s club to Junior championship glory last year.

Dawson joins Brendan O’Neill and Brendan Savage in the Belleek management team.

The club ended a 20-year wait for the championship crown, having last won the trophy in 2001.

They saw off Crossmaglen IIs in the decider by three points, bouncing back from losing the 2020 final after a replay and extra time to Forkhill.

Belleek will compete in Division 2B of the Armagh league and contest the Intermediate championship next season.

Dawson is set to remain with Down senior club Bredagh under manager Brendan Mason but has taken up a coaching role under Thornton.

The former Down hurling manager has enjoyed spells at Burren, where he won back-to-back Down championships, Mayobridge, Bryansford and Castlewellan.