Kelly has anxious wait after dismissal

WATERFORD’S Eoin Kelly faces an anxious wait to discover the repercussions of his dismissal in Sunday’s NHL defeat to Offaly.

Kelly received a red card for a second-half pull on Mick O’Hara.

If referee Pat O’Connor cites Kelly for striking, the Mount Sion clubman faces a three-month ban.

That would sideline him until July 2, ruling him out of Waterford’s remaining involvement in the league and the Munster championship semi-final against Limerick or Tipperary on June 4.

And were Waterford to get over that hurdle Kelly would still be unavailable for a Munster final showdown against Cork or Clare on June 25.

The player himself is said to be devastated over the incident.

Meanwhile Justin McCarthy is offering no excuses for the defeat, insisting that they were outplayed by an Offaly side that turned in a five-star performance.

“We made mistakes that contributed to our own downfall but the reality is that we played second fiddle to Offaly throughout and overall our display was way below par.”

McCarthy added: “In contrast, Offaly got the bit between their teeth early on and never let go. We played a team on fire that got the goals at the right time and on the day we were beaten fairly and squarely.

“We have come back from similar situations before and I am hoping we can do so again.

“Next Sunday against Limerick is another game, another day, and another challenge”.