Whelahan named in Offaly attack
Legendary defender Brian Whelahan has been named in the Offaly attack for Saturday's All-Ireland SHC qualifier against Dublin (Parnell Park, throw-in 7pm).
The Birr clubman underwent an operation on a Gilmore's Groin injury which ruled him out of the entire National League campaign, but is now fit to return.
For Saturday's clash, Faithfuls boss John McIntyre has brought Whelahan in for injured captain Brendan Murphy at left half-forward. Murphy sustained a medial knee ligament injury during last Sunday's Leinster SHC semi-final defeat to Wexford, and is expected to be out of action for three weeks.
There are three other changes from last weekend - the Under-21 trio of Daniel Hoctor (Shinrone), Declan Tanner (St. Rynagh's) and Alan Egan (Belmont) have been given a chance to impress with Michael Cordial, Mick O'Hara and Aidan Hanrahan on bench duty.
Whelahan's Birr team mate Rory Hanniffy will captain Offaly in Murphy's absence.
OFFALY (SHC v Dublin) - B Mullins; B Teehan, P Cleary, D Franks; K Brady, R Hanniffy (capt), G Oakley; D Hoctor, D Tanner; D Hayden, G Hanniffy, B Whelahan; B Carroll, J Bergin, A Egan.
