TWO years later than players and supporters would have wished for, or expected, Portumna hurlers have made it to Croke Park for St Patrick’s Day.

Offaly boss Mike McNamara was gushing in praise for the Whelahan brothers following the Faithful men's impressive 1-18 to 0-14 championship victory over Limerick in Thurles this evening.

St Patrick’s Day is the traditional date for the All Ireland Club Championships and this year it is the turn of Nemo Rangers and Ballinderry in football while Birr and Clarinbridge are pitted against one another in hurling.