If last Sunday's narrow defeat to Wexford told Antrim hurling enthusiasts anything it was that their isolation in Ulster is undoubtedly hindering their progress.

PJ O'Grady is on the Hurling Development Committee and he was hugely impressed by the progress they have made under manager Dinny Cahill since last year.

"One major game in a year is not enough for them. A series of games is what they deserve. The question is would they produce the goods against a team like Cork next Sunday?

"If Antrim want to make progress they need to play the big boys. They will now have no serious match until February. This has to be addressed," said O'Grady.

The committee, chaired by Pat Dunny with Willie Ring as secretary, includes such high-profile figures as Nicky English and Ger Loughnane. Their main focus is to improve the current championship structure for the 2005 season.

It is not just the distance that Down and Derry are trailing behind but the mileage Antrim had to clock up for a competitive hurling match in the six weeks between the Ulster championship and the All-Ireland quarterfinal.

The seven-hour journey that separates Antrim from playing against Munster opposition is now the primary hindrance in their progression.

"There are counties that you don't bother to ask (for a challenge match), like the more established counties, as they will not see it worth their while to travel," said Antrim hurling secretary Frankie Quinn.

"Counties on the way up are much more receptive. If Waterford had not been involved in the qualifiers I'm sure they would have come up, while the likes of Cork and Tipperary would not even consider it."

Cahill said: "We're always looking to get good challenge matches in but the county couldn't afford to make two or three trips that involves hiring a bus for a seven-hour drive."

They were forced to travel in search of quality opposition. A triple-header of challenge matches over the weekend of the Munster final (June 29th) was arranged against Galway, Tipperary and the Tipperary under-21s on successive days.

"It was not an ideal situation but we had to get a game. The work situation for that weekend was also an issue. Most players had to take a day off. They hurl for enjoyment but they work for a living," added Cahill.

Limerick then asked for a challenge match, before their qualifier against Offaly, in the compromise venue of Dublin. It was ideal preparation but they had to decline as the players could not afford to be taking another half day.

"It's not feasible to travel up to Antrim, especially midweek, unless you stay overnight," said Limerick County Board secretary Jimmy Hartigan "Unless they go into the Leinster championship it will be harder to progress."

Indeed, Antrim may have to take the route of entry into Leinster that Galway are considering, to remain competitive.

"Anything is possible, personally I wouldn't rule it out but nothing has been discussed at county board level," said Quinn.

"What Ulster needs is for the other counties to promote hurling to enable us to compete. Now that we are in Division One if we get the likes of Tipperary and Waterford up to play in Belfast it will be a huge boost."

Leinster Council chairman Nicky Brennan refused to speculate. "There are three competitive teams currently up in Ulster. I would be loath to insult the other two counties. Galway is a different scenario. At least there is an Ulster championship."

Either way Cahill will continue to put in the miles as he attempts to bring the northern county to the big time.