Liatroim hurling manager Michael McCambridge is deliberately restricting some players' game time to avoid injuries before the championship later this year.

McCambridge, formerly a hurler with Cushendall and Antrim, said several players returning from injury have been available but were held back because more important fixtures lie ahead. The risk of re-injury, he explained, could jeopardise their championship involvement.

The Fontenoys manager is navigating the complexities of a dual club, where 12 players participate in both hurling and football. Protecting those athletes from overuse has become a central focus.

County hurlers Pearse Óg and Ruairi McCrickard have been given a few weeks off to recover after their inter-county season ended. McCambridge noted that they had effectively completed a full season already.

The squad shortage was evident in a recent outing against Warrenpoint, when Liatroim fielded only 16 players. Injuries have affected dual-code players and those who play only hurling, while some younger players chose football this season.

McCambridge acknowledged disappointment over the loss of those younger prospects but said such challenges are part of management at a thriving dual club. He added that both sets of coaches work together to avoid overburdening players.

He contrasted the situation with his own experience at Cushendall, which is not a dual club, and said Liatroim's ability to compete across multiple codes is a credit to the club.