ULSTER SHC ANTRIM v DOWN:THIS IS one of those bizarre championship matches that, no matter what the result, we already know what happens next. Antrim are already booked into the All-Ireland qualifiers and face Galway in the first round on June 28th.

Down, meanwhile, will compete for the Christy Ring Cup and have been drawn in a group that also features Carlow and London.

So the only thing at stake here is the Ulster title. Antrim are chasing their seventh successive title, and start as strong favourites, while Down are seeking their first since 1997. While an upset can't be ruled out, it's not really going to matter much, anyway. Sad, but true.