Leinster SFC Prev – Wexford v Offaly

Both Wexford and Offaly will be hoping to push on from  disappointing league campaigns when they meet at Wexford Park in the first round of the Leinster Senior Football Championship this afternoon. (3pm)

Shane Roche’s men finished sixth in Division 4, winning two games all year having been tipped as genuine contenders to gain promotion. 

The Yellowbellies put in a valiant effort against Dublin in last year’s championship but ended up on the losing side being defeated 0-15 to 0-7 and they will be hoping for better fortunes this afternoon. 

Offaly will feel unlucky with how their league campaign played out. 

A defeat to Cork on the final day saw them relegated from Division 2. 

They too were defeated in the quarter-finals of last year’s championship. Narrowly beaten by Kildare 1-15 to 0-13. 

John Maughan’s side will be without both Ruairi and Niall McNamee due to injury in recent games. 

Both will be huge losses to Offaly as they have been key parts of their forward line this year. 

The Faithful County are without five of their top forwards with Cian Farrell, Jack Bryant and Peter Cunningham all missing out. 

This will be of concern given Offaly’s strength this year has been their offensive prowess. 

Injuries have forced Maugham to dive into the u20s panel. 

Kieran Dolan and Cathal Flynn are both set to make their senior championship debuts. Both players were involved in last year’s All-Ireland U-20 winning side. 

Lee Pearson, John Furlong and forward Keith O’Neill all make the squad having been selected from the U-20s. 

Even with injuries Offaly are seen by many as favourites, but Wexford will be searching to cause an upset on home soil. 

The prospect of meeting Dublin in the next round also heightens the occasion this afternoon. 

Seán is a final year Journalism student in DCU.

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