Kilmacud Crokes' Brian Hanamy will make his first competitive start for Offaly in Sunday's NFL Division 3 opener against Longford at Pearse Park.

Hanamy, who qualifies to play for the Faithful County under the parentage rule, will partner Gracefield's Niall Smith at midfield in the absence of Richie Dalton, who has a calf injury. The Edenderry captain is joined on the treatment table at present by Ross Brady (rib injury) and David Hanlon (hamstring), while Michael Brazil and Niall McNamee are also unavailable for selection.

Last year's goalkeeper Alan Mulhall continues at full forward where he will be flanked by Bernard Allen and another Dublin-based player, Nigel Dunne. The Sullivan brothers, Shane and Anton, are included at centre back and left half forward respectively, while Brian Darby will captain the team from right half back. Former county hurler Daniel Currams also makes his NFL debut in the number 11 shirt.

Offaly (SF v Longford): K Meehan; J Gallagher, P McConway, S Pender; B Darby, S Sullivan, L Hiney; B Hanamy, N Smith; A Keenaghan, D Currams, A Sullivan; B Allen, A Mulhall, N Dunne.

Subs: I Duffy, G Guilfoyle, W Mulhall, D Kelly, K Casey, G Treacy, S Guing, K Lynam, J Moloney, J Keane. Tweet

Most Read Stories