Injuries finally catch up on Hanniffy

Offaly manager Brian Whelahan has revealed how Rory Hanniffy played through 2014 with three knee fractures and lined out against Tipperary in the Championship ‘against all medical advice’.

Veteran Hanniffy confirmed his retirement after 14 seasons with Offaly though Whelahan admitted his Birr club mate probably should have quit after 2013. Hanniffy battled knee trouble for several years and scans last winter revealed three fractures on one of his knees as well as significant cartilage damage.

The versatile defender finally underwent surgery in recent weeks, having put it off for several months in order to answer Offaly’s call one last time.