Offaly's championship hopes have been dealt a major blow with the news that half-back Niall Claffey is out for six weeks – forcing him out of his county's showdown with Kilkenny.
Birr man Claffey, the most experienced defender available to Offaly manager John McIntyre, broke his index finger in a club game against Drumcullen on Friday night last.
"It is very bad news. Niall will be out for six to seven weeks, and is definitely out of the Guinness Leinster hurling semi-final against Kilkenny on June 12," said team secretary Pat Teehan.
"It's very hard on Niall himself after all the work he has put in over the last few months."
Brian Whelehan also played against Drumcullen and put in an outstanding performance at centre half-back, fuelling speculation that he may return to the Offaly team for the championship.
