This afternoon's Ulster hurling final at Casement Park (3.30) is a repeat of last year's, but its Saturday staging has caused anger in both Antrim and Derry - particularly in Derry, who won't receive the same coverage as their opponents in the expected event of their defeat.

This is a controversy which arose before when semi-finals were fixed for a Saturday and it has reinforced the view held in the province's hurling communities that the game is treated as an afterthought.

On-the-field developments haven't been any kinder to Derry, who face an anxious wait to see if their best player, Oliver Collins, will be fit to take his place. A key influence in the county's creditable performance in last year's final, his loss would be a disastrous blow to the Derry's ambitions. Even the suspicion that he won't be at full stretch is demoralising for the challengers who haven't won the title since 1908.

After an exciting semi-final win over Down, Derry had to take stock of a defence which had leaked four goals. The experienced Collie McGurk is again able to line out at full back and another veteran, Niall Mullan, also switches to that line.

Antrim have their own injury trouble, as star forward Alastair Elliott is considered doubtful because of a knee injury. Whereas Derry - with only dual star Geoffrey McGonigle as a serious alternative scoring threat - are terribly exposed by Collins's absence, Antrim have better strength-in-depth and can bear the loss of Elliott more comfortably.

In addition, the team has been performing better this year with some steady National League performances and no messing around with London in the championship semi-final. Manager Seamus Elliott won't be taking any chances with this one but will have fixed his sights on the All-Ireland quarter-final match as the yardstick by which the team will be judged.

They have the advantage all over the field and also the right attitude and can be expected to retain their title.