Wallace back with Antrim

21:18, 17 Jun 2012

Antrim GAA Chairman Jim Murray has welcomed the return of Jerry Wallace to the Saffrons' senior hurling management.

The Cork native resigned as manager in the wake of Antrim's recent Leinster SHC loss to Westmeath, following in the footsteps of selectors Terence 'Sambo' McNaughton and Gregory O'Kane.

However, Wallace has now returned to the fold as a selector with Loughgiel Shamrocks clubman Jim Nelson installed as interim manager.

Collie McFall and Frankie Quinn are also included in the reigning Ulster champions' new-look management team.

Wallace was on the sideline on Friday when Antrim lost by 2-16 to 2-14 against Wexford in a challenge match in Dublin.

"We were disappointed when Jerry resigned last week, he brought a lot to the Antrim set-up since January," said Murray.

"When he made himself available to Jim and the managerial set-up the response was very positive. Jerry knows the players very well and it would be foolish not to capitalise on that insight and experience.

"You can probably say that we have travelled a strange road over the last ten days or so, but the end result is a managerial team, led by Jim Nelson, which is totally focused on the upcoming games."

He added: "The draw for the football qualifiers is tomorrow morning and we will know then what games our senior teams have coming up.

"I urge everyone to get behind the teams now and show your support for Antrim over the coming weeks. Both squads are training at full tilt and they deserve support."

The Antrim hurlers face an All-Ireland qualifier against Limerick or Laois on June 30, along with the Ulster SHC decider on July 8.