Mick Mc heaps praise on Whelahans

Offaly boss Mike McNamara was gushing in praise for the Whelahan brothers following the Faithful men's impressive 1-18 to 0-14 championship victory over Limerick in Thurles this evening.

The midlands camp was rocked early in the week when Barry, Brian and Simon Whelahan opted out of the panel before rejoining the setup in the run up to the game.

McNamara praised: "The Whelahans came under the spotlight perhaps a bit unfairly but they answered in emphatic style when it mattered. Brian in particular was absolutely fantastic."

Meanwhile Offaly skipper Gary Hanniffy admitted that memories of the county's second-half slump against Wexford inspired them to hold out for a memorable victory over Limerick in Thurles this evening.

Hanniffy said after the seven point win that sees them into the All-Ireland quarter-finals: "We were really determined not to lead our half-time lead slip like we did against Wexford in the Leinster semi-final.

"We spoke about that in the dressing room at the break and we made sure we held out. It's a huge boost to win a game like this over a top Munster team because it gives great confidence to a young Offaly team."