Player welfare a live issue in Offaly for years, says Oakley

FORMER Offaly star Ger Oakley has claimed player welfare has been a issue in the county for the “last six or seven years”.

He retired from inter-county hurling eight months ago, but is not surprised by the rift after the senior hurling panel were prevented from training in O’Connor Park on Saturday.

“This is a clash between management and county board officials and it has to come to a head,” said Oakley. “Player welfare has been a problem in Offaly hurling for the last six or seven years.