OFFALY
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Thursday February 18 2010
Date: Sunday, February 21, at 2.30pm
Venue: Páirc Uí Chaoimh
Manager: Joe Dooley
Key Players: Joe Bergin
Rising Star: Dairmuid Horan Last Championship Meeting: 2009 All-Ireland Qualifier Phase 1, Offaly 1-12 Cork 3-19 (Tullamore)
Last NHL Meeting: 2007 NHL Division 1, Cork 1-21 Offaly 114
2009 NHL Form: Division 2 Champions: Won seven, Lost one
Analysis: Having defeated Wexford in last year's Division 2 decider, Offaly will be looking forward to locking horns with the best hurlers in the land once again.
For too long long now this crop of players have been in a "transition period", so it's now time for them to stand up and be counted.
They had a successful Walsh Cup campaign defeating Kilkenny before being knocked out at the semi-final stage by Galway.
They will not be happy about the fact that they have to travel for their first two games. The Faithful County will always be willing to fight to the death on any given day. While Offaly are gutsy and good tough hurlers, they lack the natural skills that come to the likes of Tipperary and Kilkenny. This is evident by the county's lack of scoring power upfront.
Joe Bergin was outstanding in the Walsh Cup from centre back.
There is great debate within Hoping for better:
Offaly boss Joe Dooley is hoping to breath new life into the Faithful County Offaly, as to where Diarmuid Horan should be utilised. He is seen as a wing back, but is one of the most skilful hurlers at Joe Dooley's disposal. His blistering pace and natural hurling ability would surely help the Offaly forward sextet to be more prolific. Dooley may consider this option for the league.
Verdict: Offaly should avoid relegation, due to Limerick's currnet problems.
