Offaly will not play Christy Ring Cup opener after Covid cases in camp

In a statement, the Faithful's county board apologised to the Lilywhites for the late notice and said that had they enough players, they would have played with a depleted panel

With a postponement of the game not possible, a walkover will almost certainly be handed to Kildare.

The Offaly hurlers tonight handed Kildare a walkover in the Christy Ring Cup after 25-plus players were deemed to be close contacts of a single positive case from within the panel.

Michael Fennelly’s side were due to play Kildare on Saturday, but an Offaly County Board statement last night said they would not be able to field “with over 25 players ruled out”.