Their heroics in Division One won them plenty of admirers last season, but Antrim hurling manager Darren Gleeson knows it will be equally as difficult to retain their top flight status this term.
The Saffrons were Joe McDonagh Cup champions and Division 2A winners in 2020 and they announced their arrival on their return to the top tier with a stunning 1-21 to 0-22 win over Clare in Corrigan Park last May.
Their momentum was checked somewhat by back-to-back defeats on the road against Kilkenny, who they face on Sunday, and Dublin.
