Installing a winning mentality amongst the Faithful

SINCE his appointment as an Offaly hurling selector Joachim Kelly has spent much of his time emphasising that his county must acquire good habits, and they don’t get any better than the habit of winning.

In his own time as a star midfielder with the Faithful County, Kelly knew what it was like to win and lose All-Ireland finals, and there’s no mistaking which he preferred. As a result, it must be gratifying to see the players have heeded his words, because unbeaten Offaly currently lead Division 1A of the National League.

It’s a fine early-season recovery from last year, when a summer hammering by Kilkenny was a major blow for the men in the tricolour jerseys.