'Callous teatment' forces Offaly players to step down

Offlay football has hit yet another low in the space of 48 hours - the Faithful County's senior players have issued a statement this afternoon, withdrawing their services for next season.

Hot on the heels of manager Gerry Fahy's resignation last night, the players' release read: "The players, regrettably feel they have been been left with no choice other than to withdraw their services for the forthcoming season.

"The callous treatment and lack of support for the outgoing management by Offaly county board for the last number of years has unfortunately brought them to this decision."

Both Fahy and hurling supremo Mike McNamara stepped down last night, due to a perceived lack of support.

Twelve months ago, Fahy took over from former U21 boss Paul O'Kelly, whose shock dismissal after only eight months in charge also saw Offaly's forlorn footballers issue a statement, "condemning" the board's decision.

Fahy, an Athenry-based garda, led the county to nine wins and three losses in competitive football this term - seeing them bow out of the championship to Wexford and two-goal Mattie Forde in July, whilst claiming the Allianz National League Division Two title in May.

The Offaly county board is due to meet again next week.