Offaly hurlers searching for more green shoots against All-Ireland champions

OFFALY gave a great account of themselves in Sunday's National Hurling League Division 1 opener in Kilkenny on Sunday but the visit of All-Ireland champions Tipperary to Tullamore next Sunday will tell a lot more.

Missing several established first team players, Offaly performed really well in Nowlan Park and were not far away at all in a battling 0-20 to 0-16 defeat. They were there or thereabouts almost the whole way through, had the gap down to a point on three occasions in the second half but couldn't get level and Kilkenny were able to secure the win with some late points.

Offaly were very happy to be so close against a team who has inflicted plenty of hardship on them over the years.

Ruari Kelly, David Nally, Killian Sampson, Ciaran Burke, Shane Rigney, Ter Guinan, James Mahon and recently appointed captain Charlie Mitchell were all ruled out with a mixture of injuries and issues. Donal Shirley went off with an early injury on Sunday and that will cause serious concern but apart from that, there was a huge amount to be encouraged by on Sunday.

Offaly know they are up against it in the highest division and it was great to see them competing against Kilkenny, even if the home side were also down players and experimenting.

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Sunday's game will give Offaly an indication of where they are and it will be a huge test. These neighbouring counties should attract a bumper crowd to O'Connor Park and it will be a great occasion for the newcomers on the Offaly side.

Tipperary got off to a winning start against Galway on Saturday and are hot favourites to collect a second brace of points,

It is a bonus game for Offaly in many respects. You can't make a viable case for them winning but they would like to perform, to be at least competitive. The aim is to be in contention going into the final quarter and see where that takes them.

There is evidence of further improvement in Offaly. They had a very young side out on Sunday and these players have plenty of developing to do. Offaly hurling could be in a good place in a couple of years time when they get their strength and fitness levels up close to the top tier counties.

Offaly would love to survive in Division 1 and will be targeting Waterford as a game they can win but staying up is a tall order.

Performances like Sunday, however, does everyone good and will ensure a good week at training this week ahead of another big game. Tipperary to win but for Offaly, it is all about seeing how players perform in this environment.