Brian Whelahan has admitted that Offaly are lucky to have another shot at retaining their Allianz Hurling League Division 1B status.

The Faithful face Division 2A champions Kerry at Semple Stadium this evening in a promotion / relegation decider, and manager Whelahan concedes it will be tough on the Kingdom if they lose, and thus end up staying in Division 2A next season.

"In fairness to Kerry, if right was right they probably should be up now and we should be down, and I'd be the first to acknowledge that," he said in the Irish Examiner.

"We don't make the rules but Kerry did everything that was required of them. They won all their league games, won their division final. Technically they should now be promoted.

"It's an unfortunate situation from their point of view. You would feel once you've won your division you should be promoted. From our point of view, we're very lucky to have this extra game to try and get ourselves back on track."

Whelahan insists Offaly aren't taking anything for granted.

"I was at the Carlow game last Sunday (Division 2A final) and I can honestly say, Kerry impressed me greatly. In the first half against the wind they kept the scoreboard ticking over nicely, could have had two goals as well. They came out in the second half and really went at Carlow, were fully deserving of their win.

"I don't think anyone has reason to doubt them. They've won all their league games to date despite suffering their injury problems, players missing at various stages.

"They're definitely a worthwhile opposition." Tweet

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