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.