Offaly hurling has been rocked by the withdrawal of four key players from the county's senior panel in the wake of their relegation to Division 2 of the NHL. New manager Joe Dooley is this week coming to terms with the news that free-taker Damien Murray, goalkeeper Shane O'Connor, defender Barry Teehan and dual player Francis Kerrigan have all left the squad. Coolderry clubman Murray cited a lack of appetite and general disillusionment with hurling following the heavy defeat to Tipperary, while O'Connor opted out after he was substituted during the home defeat to Limerick last Sunday week. Teehan was upset at not featuring in the same game, while Kerrigan has decided to concentrate solely on his under 21 commitments for the time being. Dooley must also plan without experienced goalkeeper Brian Mullins who is the latest member of the Birr contingent to retire from the inter-county scene. Tweet

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