Doubts over senior Offaly players' return

Doubts have emerged over the return of a number of senior Offaly players to the inter-county panel despite reports to the contrary.

It had been reported that hero Brian Whelahan would definitely see out another year along with Joe Errity and Johnny Pilkington.

But Pilkginton responded: "The manager, Mike McNamara, met the players on Wednesday last and outlined his plans for the coming year.

"Myself and a number of the senior players were there to hear what the new man had to say and have indicated that we are not in a position to go back early in the New Year."