Dooley’s Offaly must keep the faith in Wexford

THE first big game of the 2009 All-Ireland hurling series takes place this evening in Wexford Park, the meeting of the home county and Offaly in the Leinster championship quarter-final.

While it hasn’t got the same razzle-dazzle as the Munster championship opener between Tipperary and Cork tomorrow in Thurles, for all of those involved, it has similar ramifications.

A win and you’re in your provincial semi-final, lose and you’re on the rocky road through the qualifiers. For that reason, and though it may not be seen as such by hurling followers generally, this game is just as vital to Offaly and Wexford as is the Semple Stadium affair to Cork and Tipperary.