Hanniffy, voted the 2006 Offaly Hurler of the Year, will hope to inspire the Faithfuls this season after last year's campaign culminated in a disappointing run in the All-Ireland qualifiers.

The 24-year-old played a big part in Birr reclaiming the county title last year and winning through to November's Leinster club final which saw them fall to Ballyhale Shamrocks of Kilkenny.

John McIntyre's Offaly charges lost out to Wexford in the Leinster championship last summer - in this year's Leinster SHC race, they are set to take on Laois on May 27 with the winners to face reigning All-Ireland champions Kilkenny on June 10.

The Offaly panel for 2007 has a youthful look - with 23 of the 28-strong squad under the age of 25, and ten players still eligible for the Under-21 grade.

Experienced players such as the Whelahan brothers, Michael Cordial, Damien Murray and Mick O'Hara have been omitted by McIntyre and his management team.

The two vice-captain roles in the Offaly panel have gone to noted defenders David Franks and Kevin Brady.