Offaly see chance for redemption

WHAT a difference a game makes. Having lost much of their aura in the Leinster final defeat against Wexford, suddenly Kilkenny are back as the one team everyone must match — and try to avoid.

Next up for Brian Cody’s rejuvenated side is the winner of this weekend’s Offaly-Clare qualifier in the Gaelic Grounds and few would relish the winner’s task in the last eight.

“You couldn’t help but be impressed by Kilkenny,” Offaly forward Brendan Murphy said yesterday.