Offaly hurling team named for Walsh Cup opener
Antrim come to Tullamore for first game of 2026
THE Offaly senior hurling team has been announced for their home Walsh Cup opener against Antrim in Tullamore on Sunday.
A strong looking team with several established players has been named while manager Johnny Kelly has also given a chance to some fringe players ahead of a tough Division 1 National Hurling League campaign.
Liam Hoare has been named in goals while Patrick Taaffe, Eimhin Kelly and Ter Guinan have all been given a chance. Lusmagh man Kelly returns after a year out while Ter Guinan has battled back from a long term hamstring injury.
Dan Ravenhill has been given a new role on the half back line as management bid to capitalise on his long striking capacity, from play and frees.
OFFALY: Liam Hoare (Carrig-Riverstown); Patrick Taaffe (Belmont), Ciaran Burke (Durrow), James Mahon (Kilcormac-Killoughey); Eimhin Kelly (Lusmagh), Donal Shirley (Tubber), Dan Ravenhill (Durrow); Ross Ravenhill (Durrow), Cathal King (Carrig-Riverstown); Ter Guinan (Kilcormac-Killoughey), Charlie Mitchell (Kilcormac-Killoughey), David Nally (Belmont); Brian Duignan (Durrow), Dan Bourke (Durrow), Eoghan Cahill (Birr). Subs – Eamon Cleary (Shinrone), Luke Watkins (Shinrone), Ben Miller (Birr), Ben Conneely (St Rynagh's), Brecon Kavanagh (Kilcormac-Killoughey), Sam Bourke (Durrow), Ailbe Watkins (Birr), Eoin Burke (Coolderry), Oisin Kelly (Belmont), Jack Clancy (Belmont), Luke Nolan (Birr).