Local derbies for Offaly in revamped O’Byrne Cup

OFFALY will face Laois, Westmeath and AIT in the group phase of a revamped O’Byrne Cup next January.

The group games will be played over the course of seven days on January 6, January 9 and January 13 with the four group winners progressing to the semi-finals.

The decision to change the format was made at the Leinster Council meeting this week.

Group A features Longford, Meath, Louth and UCD. Group B features Carlow, Dublin, Wicklow and DCU while Group D features Wexford, Kildare, Carlow IT and DIT.

The Walsh Cup will remain as a knock-out competition with the first round losers going into the Walsh Shield.

In the Walsh Cup Offaly will face the winners of the first round game between Wexford and DIT.

Offaly’s Fixtures

January 6 – Offaly v Laois in Tullamore

January 9 – Offaly v AIT in Gracefield

January 13 – Westmeath v Offaly in Mullingar.