Brian Whelahan admitted that relegation to Division 2A of the Allianz Hurling League had looked a real possibility for Offaly after they conceded the first seven points to Kerry in Saturday's promotion / relegation playoff.

The Faithful eventually recovered to win by a flattering 14 points to preserve their Division 1B status.

"They gave us the runaround at the start, went seven points up and had us staring defeat in the face," he conceded.

"We were at sixes and sevens, but I think we hurled with a fair bit of fear and anxiety about us in the first 15 minutes. But once we settled we started to hurl, to support one another a lot better and use the ball a lot better."

The Offaly manager acknowledged that his side were fortunate to have a second shot at staying in Division 1B.

"At the end of the day, we didn't make the rules, we probably shouldn't be getting this second chance and Kerry should be straight up, we make no bones about that.

"We were very grateful of that second chance, though, and now we're looking forward to getting David (Kenny), Rory (Hanniffy) and Del (Derek Morkan) back, experienced players that a team like Offaly need to have." Tweet

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