Offaly Club Hurling 2026

[faithfulfanatic]

Following the 2 Offaly defeats over the weekend, we are now just 3 weeks from the start of this year's hurling championship.

Quick preview of each team with my limited knowledge - open to corrections and added detail!
I haven't heard of any county lads planning to head to America?
There are no outright odds available with any bookmakers yet.

Group 1

KK
Standard bearers and will be championship favs. Assumed that Charlie Mitchell won't be playing - will be a big loss. He was their eldest player in with the county, at only 22. Hughie Hannon, Tony Gleeson and Declan Laffan all involved?

Birr
Barry Whelahan still in charge. Very unlucky not to beat KK last year. Luke Nolan and Ailbe Watkins exposed to inter county hurling should be a boost, along with the return to fitness of Padraic Watkins. Their team for the league semi v Seir Kieran looked well off what will start C'ship. Eoghan Cahill was due to miss the first round to go travelling, don't know if that will change now due to Offaly's prolonged involvement?

Coolderry
Cuddy from Castletown in charge. Daniel Miller out for the year after doing his ACL with Leitrim. Eoin Burke and Cian Burke the only 2 county panelists. Into a league final having topped the group.

Rynaghs
Arien Delaney still in charge I think? Luke O'Connor gone to the States again. Aaron Kenny has a hip injury. Pat Camon is back. Expecting a big year from Darragh Scully.

Kinnitty
Have heard very little from Kinnitty - finished bottom of their league group. Paddy Delaney still in Australia is a massive loss. Will be targeting the Rynaghs game.

Group 2

Shinrone
Will know they left a co. final behind them. Big boost having Adrian and Ciaran Cleary back and hurling for last few months. Conor Doughan back from Australia in last few weeks, not sure if he is fit/going to hurl senior.

Ballinamere
Sean Treacy from Portumna in charge. 7 County lads are crucial. Will know they have the beating of anyone.

Belmont
Internal management led by David Kenny. Paddy Clancy and Leon Fox are back, should be very strong.

Lusmagh
Mullins still in charge I believe? Will need to stay injury free. Will target Tullamore game.

Tullamore
Assumed footballers are still going to hurl? Shane Hand is still over them.

[Offaly Hero]

KK will win at a canter. Would like to see Ballinamere play to their potential and would be great to see them get over the line.