Midlanders dealt star men blows

Carlow and Offaly could both have to do without their key men for this weekend’s Leinster SFC clashes against Meath and Kildare respectively.

Carlow midfielder Brendan Murphy turned in an impressive performance against the Royals last weekend but could be forced to sit out Saturday evening’s quarter-final replay.

A bang on the back of his head resulted in a concussion which only became apparent on the journey home after the game.

Carlow boss Luke Dempsey told the Irish Independent: “Going home on the bus, he was very sick and started vomiting so we got him to Moydock in Carlow and he was transferred to Kilkenny. I've just been chatting to his brother, Brian, and he hopes to get good news.

“Brendan was outstanding against Meath, especially considering there was so much spoiling on him. Every time he got a ball, he was either pulled or dragged ... His performance was that of a player who, if he got three or four championship matches, would come under the spotlight of the All Star selectors.”

If Murphy is very doubtful at this stage, Offaly will definitely be without star man Niall McNamee.

The Rhode clubman is ruled out with the groin injury which kept him out for much of the Faithful’s National League campaign.

The absence of both players would greatly reduce the prospects of any upset* in the Leinster championship this weekend.

(* By upset we mean Carlow beating Meath)