No place for Whelahan as Offaly bid to upset Cats

OFFALY legend Brian Whelahan will not start Sunday’s Leinster SHC semi-final against Kilkenny at Croke Park.

The Birr defender returned to county training last month after reports of his retirement after 16 years of intercounty hurling proved premature.

Twice the Texaco Hurler of the Year and a four-time Allstar, the 33-year-old has been in outstanding form for Birr but has not played for the county since limping off against Wexford in last year’s Leinster final.