Hurling final preview night to benefit a worthy cause

A PREVIEW night ahead of the Offaly Senior Hurling final will take place tonight (Friday, October 16) in Brian Whelahan's Bar in Birr.

The event that will raise money for the Mary Kenny Offaly Hospice and Cancer Research Fund. Offaly and Belmont hurler David Kenny will among a panel of experts on the night as the Mary Kenny Offaly Hospice and Cancer Research Fund was set up in memory of his late mother.

Proceedings kick off at 9pm on Friday night where a host of guests will take to the stage to give their views on both the Senior final between Coolderry and St Rynagh's and the novel Minor decider between Ferbane/Belmont and Na Fianna. They’ll also look at Lusmagh's recent triumph in the Intermediate championship and Clara's success at Junior level.

There is no admission charge on the night, with buckets available for patrons to make donations as they please to the Offaly Hospice fund.

Panel members include players from clubs that have come up against Sunday's finalists while it is also hoped to have a selection of other well-known individuals from around the county to talk about all things hurling.

All-Ireland Final referee Brian Gavin, former Coolderry boss Ken Hogan, Birr's Michael Verney, K/K's Trevor Fletcher and Kinnitty's Colm Coughlan, to name just a few, will all take part in the preview. It is hoped to hold a raffle on the night and again, all proceeds will go to charity. Brian Whelahan of Whelahan's Bar is opening his doors for the preview night and has weighed in behind the concept.

It promises to be an enjoyable night with plenty of chat and debate ahead of the big games at the weekend while also helping out a very worthwhile and local charity. Local journalists, Brian Lowry of the Midland Tribune and Midlands 103’s Head of Sport Will O'Callaghan will co-host the event.