Offaly hurling manager Joe Dooley knew that the start to the NHL was not going to easy with two away games up first against Cork and Kilkenny.

The jump up to Division 1 could have come with an easier start, but it didn't, and now the Faithful have learned plenty of lessons in the course of two defeats.

It is now up to them to make the most of their remaining games with the visit of Dublin crucial in round 3.

"We knew at the start of the league with two away games against Cork and Kilkenny that we were going to be under pressure so things probably turned out the way we expected, "explained the Offaly boss. "It's the next four games that are the critical ones for us.

"Dublin had a great win over Tipperary so they are going to be on a high in two weeks' time so we will be up against it there." Tweet

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