Shane McNaughton: Antrim hurling needs overhaul

Cushendall hurler Shane McNaughton in action against Na Piarsaigh in the All-Ireland Club SFC final on March 17

SHANE McNaughton has called for “honesty” to be brought back into the Antrim set-up following their ill-fated league campaign and the premature departure of manager PJ O’Mullan.

O’Mullan stepped down after less than five months in charge of Antrim after their league campaign came to an ignominious end against London last month.

Terence ‘Sambo’ McNaughton and Dominic McKinley, who managed Antrim between 2007 and 2009, have been drafted in for the rest of the season, assisted by Gary O’Kane and Neil Pedan.

Speaking earlier this week, McNaughton’s son Shane said a “complete overhaul from bottom up” is necessary.

“I think an honesty needs to be brought back into it. People are making it more complicated. You get a good team and good manager and start afresh.

“If you’re running it like a business it’s not working so you need a complete overhaul from bottom up.”

McNaughton was of the stars of Cushendall’s run to the All-Ireland final against Na Piarsaigh on St Patrick’s Day, and he has also had a successful career with Antrim since making his intercounty debut in 2007.

However, McNaughton has confirmed that he won’t be involved this year as he is travelling to New York to pursue his acting career.

“I’m leaving so I won’t be back”, he said. Asked whether it was permanent, he clarified: “All I can say is that this year I’m definitely not coming back. There’s no chance.”

However, Antrim have been boosted by the news that Neil McManus has made an unexpected return to the county panel.

McManus is also set to leave for foreign shores, but the Cushendall hurler has made himself available to Antrim’s new management until May 10 and will play some part in their upcoming Christy Ring Cup campaign.