Whelahan axed by Offaly

Birr legend Brian Whelahan has been axed from an Offaly side for the first time in his 17-year inter county career.

Whelahan, who was the only player from the modern era to be voted onto the Hurling Team of the Millennium in 2000, lined out left half-forward for the Faithfuls' Group B qualifier defeat to Limerick last week.

But the 34-year-old has been sensationally dropped by Offaly boss John McIntyre for tomorrow's crunch qualifier with Clare (Cusack Park, throw-in 7.30pm).

McIntyre has made four changes to the side that coughed up a seven-point lead against Limerick.

Offaly are currently third in the Group B table and with only two teams progressing to the All-Ireland quarter-finals, it could be Whelahan's last game in the county colours.

McIntyre's changes see Shane O'Connor take over from Brian Mullins in goal, Whelahan loses his spot to Mick O'Hara, while Joe Brady comes in at full-forward with teenager Joe Bergin, who scored 2-01 against Limerick, moving over to the right corner.

Brian Carroll, Offaly's top scorer in the championship with 0-21, and defender Barry Teehan have also been dropped with Kevin Brady taking over at right corner back from Teehan, Declan Tanner shifting to wing back and Michael Cordial partnering Daniel Hoctor at midfield.

Offaly need to beat Clare by 19 points if they are to make it into the All-Ireland's last-eight. The Banner men won last year's qualifier meeting by 1-12 to 1-11 in Portlaoise.

OFFALY (SHC v Clare) - S O'Connor; K Brady, P Cleary, B O'Meara; D Tanner, R Hanniffy, G Oakley; M Cordial, D Hoctor; D Hayden, G Hanniffy, M O'Hara; J Bergin, J Brady, B Murphy (capt).