Christy Ring Cup Final Down v Westmeath Sunday, Croke Park, 1.30With Antrim relegated from next year's Liam McCarthy Cup it becomes vital for Ulster hurling that Down can replace them by beating Westmeath in tomorrow's Christy Ring Cup final, which RTÉ are showing live from Croke Park before the Cork and Clare All-Ireland semi-final.
Who could have foreseen Westmeath being one game away from joining the elite when manager Tom Ryan stepped down, sighting a lack of player commitment? Seamus Qualter came in and the levels of endeavour have been unquestionable since. They boast one of the country's most accomplished hurlers in John Shaw.
Down, like their opponents, come in unchanged although there are concerns surrounding Liam Clarke and Gary Savage. Also, veteran Paddy Monan is unavailable. If they can handle the Ulster expectations they should prevail.
WESTMEATH: M Briody; M Williams, C Murtagh, C Jordan; B Murtagh, D McCormack, B Connaughton; R Whelan, E Loughlin; G Gavin, J Shaw, A Mitchell; B Kennedy, K Cosgrove, J Clarke.
DOWN: Graham Clarke; L Clarke, S Murray, C Coulter; Gabriel Clarke, G Savage, S Wilson; G Adair, A Savage; E Clarke, P Braniff, B McGourty; M Coulter, G Johnson, S Clarke.
Referee: D Richardson (Limerick)
