Birr's hopes of retaining their Leinster club hurling crown have suffered a massive blow with the news that Brian Whelahan has been ruled out of Sunday's semi-final against St. Martin's. The 'Millennium Man' was forced to retire with a knee injury in last Saturday's quarter-final victory over Ballyboden St. Enda's, and a scan has revealed that he has sufficient damage to miss the clash with the Wexford champions. On the plus side, the Offaly kingpins will be able to call on the services of Brian's younger brother, Simon, despite the fact that he had 15 stitches inserted in a head wound after last Saturday's game. Birr manager Padjoe Whelahan is expecting a stern test from St. Martin's in the Tullamore showdown. "I watched the Wexford final on television, and I was very impressed by St. Martin's performance," he said. "Oulart-The-Ballagh went into that game as red-hot favourites, and they had the benefit of a few Wexford titles under their belt in recent years. But on the day, they were outplayed by St. Martin's, and that's a major warning for us." Tweet

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