by Q Radio News
Antrim hurlers have been hit by five more cases of covid-19.
Four more players and a member of the backroom staff have tested positive for the virus.
It comes a squad member returned a positive result on Tuesday, leading to the entire team undergoing rapid testing on Wednesday, facilitated by Croke Park.
The team still intends to play a county match on Sunday.
A spokesperson for Antrim GAA said, "In total 6 players (5 positive and 1 self-isolating ) and 1 member of the backroom team are affected.
"In relation to first round of Joe Mc Donagh Cup scheduled for Sunday 25th October against Westmeath , while Covid and injuries will result in depleted squad numbers, we in Antrim have confidence in all panel members and we put our best foot forward on Sunday aiming for a victory on the pitch while also upholding the integrity of the competition in a sporting manner."
Meanwhile, Antrim have offered to switch their national football league fixture against Waterford to Dundalk.
Their opponents are refusing to travel to Northern Ireland this weekend due to the Covid-19 situation here.
We have offered @WaterfordGAA to move our home game from @casementsgac to Belfast now to Dundalk @louthgaa
— Antrim GAA (@AontroimGAA) October 22, 2020
We believe that the integrity of the league needs to be upheld.
If we are good enough to collect 2 Pts we will do it in a fair and manly manner on the field of play.