Whelahan trio back in the Offaly fold

The three Whelahan brothers have returned to the Offaly panel ahead of Thursday evening's hurling All-Ireland qualifier showdown…

The three Whelahan brothers have returned to the Offaly panel ahead of Thursday evening's hurling All-Ireland qualifier showdown with Limerick in Thurles.

All three - Brian, Simon and Barry - trained with the rest of the Faithful County panel at Semple Stadium this evening after a day of behind the scenes talks aimed at resolving their differences with the team management.

The brothers failed to show for training on Saturday after relations with management soured. They were said to be particularly unhappy at the treatment of Simon Whelahan and his continued omission from the starting line-up.

His non-inclusion in a recent challenge match with Waterford was believed to be at the heart of the dispute and a real source of annoyance for the trio.

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However, following talks with manager Mike McNamara today, and a plea from captain and Birr clubmate Gary Haniffy, the brothers opted to return to the county fold.

The news is a welcome fillip for McNamara as both Barry and Brian, the only current member of the GAA's team of the millennium still playing hurling, were certain to start on Thursday evening.

Whether Simon, who has been limited to two appearances from the bench this campaign, has a role to play remains unclear.