Martin bids to restore Offaly’s shattered confidence

New Offaly hurling manager Kevin Martin has admitted his players’ confidence needs to be rebuilt after a disastrous few years and several ‘thrashings’.

Martin played a key role in Offaly teams that won All-Irelands in 1994 and 1998 but the Faithful County are currently ranked 500/1 also-rans for the 2018 title.

A top-three finish in the new look Leinster championship to prolong their summer campaign beyond June 3 is a clear target but looks a long shot. Even staying in Division 1B of the league is far from guaranteed, having finished joint bottom of the 2017 table and avoiding a relegation play-off on scoring difference.