Birr arrange high-profile friendlies

All-Ireland club hurling champions Birr have arranged two teak tough challenge games in a bid to retain their crown.

The Offaly and Leinster champions face Athenry in Ennis on February 16 with a place in the All-Ireland final on March 17 up for grabs.

In the meantime Birr will play friendlies against Tipperary and Cork and boss Pat Joe Whelahan said: "Our lads are suffering now, suffering hard.

"We're back in harness for the last two-and-a-half weeks, so we're well into it."