Offaly include seven new faces

Shane Dooley, son of former Offaly favourite Joe Dooley, will make his league debut for the Faithfuls in tomorrow's NHL clash against Cork (Pairc Ui Chaoimh, throw-in 2.30pm).

There are six other new inclusions in John McIntyre's side, including right half-back Cathal Horan, the son of Offaly's 1981 All-Ireland winning captain Padraig Horan.

Tipperary man McIntyre is obviously planning for the future as he attempts to gel a team together before the Faithfuls' Leinster championship opener against Laois on May 27.

In all, 23 of the 28-strong panel which he announced in December are aged 25 or under.

There are three changes to the side that lost 2-13 to 0-15 in the recent Walsh Cup semi-final - Birr's Michael Verney, Daniel Hoctor of Shinrone and Tullamore youngster Dooley come in for David Franks, Kevin Brady and Alan Egan.

It will be Birr clubman Rory Hanniffy's third outing as captain.

OFFALY (NHL v Cork) - R Murray; C Hernon, P Cleary, M Verney; C Horan, D Hoctor, D Kenny; B Teehan, G Hanniffy; D Molloy, R Hanniffy (capt), E Bevans; S Dooley, J Bergin, C Parlon.