Antrim were never going to give up home advantage for tomorrow's All-Ireland SFC qualifier against Limerick, even when the carrot of playing in Croke Park was dangled in front of them.

That's according to joint-manager Frank Fitzsimons, who is of the belief that teams "must earn the right" to play at GAA headquarters. Antrim were offered the chance to play the qualifier in Croker as part of a double-header with the hurlers' Christy Ring Cup final replay against Meath, but opted to keep home advantage in Corrigan Park.

"Croke Park is great, but I think you have to earn the right to play there," Fitzsimons told the Irish News.

"Our players, to be fair, wanted Corrigan Park as well. It might only be two seasons but we're unbeaten at Corrigan, so it gives us a better chance of winning the game.

"People talk about playing the game at Croke Park but, as managers, we have to think about results. No harm to ourselves or Limerick, it's not going to be a big crowd at Croke Park and it would be a better atmosphere at Corrigan Park.

"Getting home advantage was important to us. I wouldn't say it'll make us favourites because Limerick have been playing Division 3 all year, but it's a wee help to us."

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