NY boss slams 'cowardly' Antrim

Moloney is not in favour of the final being played in the US in October

New York hurling boss Monty Moloney has described Antrim as "cowards" for refusing to travel to the Big Apple for the Guinness Ulster Hurling final.

The final had been scheduled for last Sunday at Casement Park but was postponed because of visa difficulties surrounding several New York players.

Antrim have rejected New York's request that the travel to the US in August.

"You can print it any way you want. They're running scared," Maloney told the Irish Examiner.

The New York board offered to stage the game in the US, either at Gaelic Park in the Big Apple or in Boston in August.

However, Antrim turned down that proposal at an Ulster Council meeting on Saturday which New York chairman Seamus Dooley attended.

Antrim officials said that having to travel to the US would not be feasible because of club fixtures and Christy Ring Cup commitments.

This is not the 1940s we're talking about. They can stay here the weekend and go home on Monday New York boss Monty Maloney

"They're cowards, straight out. There's no other way to put it," said Maloney.

"When they came here last year they got a fright and it needed the referee to send three of our fellas off before they got past us. I think they don?t want to come out here to play us.

"This is not the 1940s we're talking about. They can stay here the weekend and go home on Monday. If they're as good as they say they are, and they're playing Division One, come and take us on."

Moloney is not in favour of the game being played in October as some commentators have suggested.

Antrim are playing in the Christy Ring Cup this summer and this winners of that competition will earn a trip to Boston in October.

If favourites Antrim win the Christy Ring Cup, there have been suggestions that they could place New York during the trip.

"They?re thinking they'll be in Boston, taking in a trip and they could take in us as well.

"But all they're doing would be treating the Ulster final as a challenge game. We're not interested in challenge games."