Blow for Offaly as Claffey misses Cats clash

OFFALY’S championship hopes have been dealt a major blow with the news that half-back Niall Claffey is out for six weeks - and will miss the showdown with Kilkenny.

Birr man Claffey, the most experienced defender available to manager John McIntyre, broke his index finger in a club game last Friday.

“It’s very bad news. Niall is definitely out of the Kilkenny game on June 12,” said team secretary Pat Teehan.

“It’s very hard on Niall himself after all the work he has put in over the last few months.”

Brian Whelehan also played last Friday and put in an outstanding performance at centre half-back, fuelling speculation that he may return to the Offaly team for the championship.