Horan set for US as Offaly defeat Clare in challenge

The Offaly senior hurlers have been dealt a major setback with the news that wing-back Diarmuid Horan intends spending the summer in the US. The St Rynagh"s player, who recently returned to club action after a hip injury, informed manager Joe Dooley of his decision to travel to the States several weeks ago. Horan missed Offaly"s entire National Hurling League campaign with a torn cartilage in his right hip which required surgery in early April. The 21-year-old will be available for Sunday week"s Leinster quarter-final against Wexford, but he looks set to miss the rest of the championship campaign. Meanwhile, Offaly warmed up for that forthcoming clash with Wexford with a four-point win over Clare in a senior hurling challenge at Tullamore last Wednesday night. Goals either side of half-time from Brian Carroll and Joe Bergin proved all-important in a game which saw both managers take a look at as many players as possible. The home side led by 1-10 to 1-6 at half-time, having raced into a 0-5 to 0-0 lead after seven minutes. But a Mark Flaherty penalty cut the gap to four at the interval. Joe Dooley"s men extended their advantage when substitute Joe Bergin netted just after the restart and, although Clare rallied with points from Tony Griffin and Caimin Morey, they couldn"t claw back the deficit. Final score: Offaly 2-18 Clare 1-17.