Whelahan ready to give it another shot with Offaly

BRIAN WHELAHAN is expected to link up with the Offaly panel for pre-season training in the coming weeks.

Many believed the 34-year old would call time on a senior inter-county career that stretches back to 1989, but manager John McIntyre said yesterday that he is expecting the Birr man back in the fold in the near future.

Offaly began pre-season training on the first day of November and most of the Birr contingent have already reported for duty despite the fact that their club campaign only ended two weekends ago with the defeat to UCD in the Leinster championship.

Brian’s brother Simon is also due to link up with the county squad in the coming weeks although another sibling, Barry, has opted out for the year. He is due to spend a year abroad, starting in January.

McIntyre also revealed that former Offaly great Joachim Kelly is to serve as a selector next season.

A two-time All-Star and twice an All-Ireland winner, this will be Kelly’s first involvement in inter-county hurling management since his ill-fated ten months in charge of Wexford five years ago.

Kelly replaces Paudge Mulhare on the management team while Daithi Regan returns for a second campaign.

“Joachim is very knowledgeable about the hurling scene in Offaly,” said McIntyre.

“He has a passion and enthusiasm about Offaly hurling that will rub off on the players and everyone else involved with the panel.

“He will be a great asset in the year ahead. It’s good to have a new pair of eyes and ears around because he’s bound to see things that myself and Daithi won’t have picked up on.”