Offaly hurling team named for Walsh Cup opener

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.

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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).