Kevin Ryan is predicting a heavy defeat for his Antrim U21 hurlers in Saturday's All-Ireland semi-final against Wexford in Thurles.

Two years ago, the Saffrons caused a huge upset in the corresponding fixture, but the departing senior and U21 boss is adamant that there will be no repeat of that result this time after he was forced to cancel a number of training sessions.

In a brutally honest interview with the Irish News, the frustrated Waterford man blamed apathy among clubs and claimed that Antrim "don't deserve" to be on the same pitch as Wexford.

"Even just trying to train these U21s for an All-Ireland semi-final, it really hits home," he said.

"There is so little interest in this game, it's unbelievable. It's so frustrating and annoying to be honest with you.

"There are a dozen or so of those U21 lads who are really up for it, but to actually get them together for training has been difficult." 

He added: "At this stage, I understand the way Antrim is and the way the clubs are. They're playing knockout championship matches the following week and there's absolutely nothing in it for them; they're not interested in anything else, and that's their prerogative.

"But it just doesn't add up for me. You're playing in an All-Ireland semi-final and you need to train and prepare properly for it.

"We're in for a massive hiding this weekend."

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