No hiding places as Offaly hurlers put best foot forward for return to top flight

BACK up in Division 1 of the National Hurling League, there will be no hiding place for Offaly, no escaping reality as they prepare to see where they are against some of the best county teams in the land.

Offaly's campaign gets underway with a home game against Waterford in Tullamore this Sunday and with Wexford, Kilkenny, Cork and Clare on the horizon in the following weeks, it is difficult to see them picking up any points.

They will still be glad to pit themselves in the top flight again, even if the step up from Division 2 to Division 1 hurling is a massive one. Manager Johnny Kelly presented a very realistic air on Monday when he remarked: “We are looking forward to it but we are very conscious that it is top level hurling.”

Offaly played two Walsh Cup games in January, losing to Laois while their game against Galway was abandoned during the second half because of a heavy fog. Galway were on their way to a comfortable win at that stage but Johnny Kelly was disappointed that they didn't get to play a full match in more favourable conditions.

They were unable to get a challenge game since then and it means that they enter Sunday's game against Waterford a bit in the dark, even though he is very happy with the quality of work put in at training and the way players are applying themselves.

There have been changes to the panel this year. Shinrone's Adrian Cleary and Belmont's Paddy Clancy have both gone to Australia but five of this year's U-20 side have been drafted in: Adam Screeney, Dan Ravenhill, Dan Bourke, Cathal King and Donal Shirley, who was injured for the U-20 campaign last year but has now recovered and impressed during the Walsh Cup.

Jason Sampson and Ben Conneely have been dealing with injuries but Kelly expects that both will be available on Sunday. “Everyone is in good form and we are hoping for a good performance,” he said.

The Portumna man is realistic about what could happen during the league. He is hoping they can be competitive and maybe pull off a shock win but he is also realistic. He was a selector and coach under Michael Fennelly in their last campaign in Division 1 hurling a couple of years ago when they shipped a couple of big beatings and that possibility is on the table.

“Our target is the Joe McDonagh Cup but we need to go through the group and find out where we are. Hopefully we will do well. We have some new panellists and a reasonably good mix with the older lads and we hope to acquit ourselves well. We have Waterford first and then Wexford. Wexford won the Walsh Cup and we also have Kilkenny, Cork and Clare. They are all top class teams.”

While the Leinster U-20 Hurling Championship will be a big priority for Offaly this year, the manager intends using some of those players as he can during the campaign.

He agreed that it is important to give some of those U-20s early senior county experience. “It is to be fair. You look around at other counties and they introduce their young hurlers quickly. Limerick players came through quickly. Kyle Hayes played in an All-Ireland final in 2018 at 18 years of age. I know he was exceptional but this is nothing new.

“Offaly have a talented bunch coming up and it is right to have them on the senior panel and to use them correctly at the right time in certain games. It is a challenge for us all. The All-Ireland U-20 championship is vitally important for Offaly. They are in a group with Dublin and Galway and it is important we give them time with them when those games come up.”

The Offaly team will be announced later this week and they will certainly be putting their best foot forward.

In some ways, Offaly are in a perfect position going into this league campaign. There are no external expectations about their prospects and whatever pressure there is comes internally. They are a very proud, dedicated group of players and they will be giving it everything they have.

Whether this can lead to any tangible reward is doubtful but the hope is that they can be competitive and pull off a surprise, which would give a huge lift to everyone in the squad.

Allianz National Hurling League Division 1 Group A

Round 1

Sunday, February 4 – Offaly v Waterford

Glenisk O'Connor Park 2pm

Round 2

Saturday, February 10 – Wexford v Offaly

Chadwicks Wexford Park 5pm

Round 3

Sunday, February 25 – Kilkenny v Offaly

UPMC Nowlan Park 1.45pm

Round 4

Sunday, March 10 – Offaly v Cork