From the heights of Liam McCarthy glory just over 20 years ago, Offaly will play their hurling in the Christy Ring cup next year.
After disappointing in the top division last year, Offaly arrived into Joe McDonagh company in 2019 and still failed to win a single game. Today in Tralee represented their final chance of redemption. There has been some dark days in Offaly hurling in recent times, but this must represent the darkest one of all.
The road back is a lonely one, just as the journey back to the Midlands will be tonight, and it will be one where they will ponder just how exactly they got themselves into this position.
The mood on social media was naturally glum, with fans and neutrals watching from on what was a vertiginous fall from grace. The question now is whether or not the county can emerge from the pack in the Christy Ring competition. That, it bears repeating, is far from a guarantee.
It's worth remembering that many felt the Faithful County would bounce straight back up to the Liam McCarthy cup after last year's relegation. 12 months on, they're moving - albeit in the wrong direction.
The only person I feel sorry for in Offaly is #OffalyDude. Clearly the lack of work done at underage and schools has come back to bite them #GAA pic.twitter.com/nZysIBr2X4
— Donal Lane (@Donal_lane) June 15, 2019
Offaly looking fairly doomed at this stage. County needs some serious young fellas to come through to get them back to where they belong in the first tier of the hurling championship.
— Malachy (@ScottMalachy) June 15, 2019
The Charity Ring is competitive Pat , unless Offaly get their act together , they won’t find it easy there next year .. lots for Offaly hurling folk to ponder - back now essentially to where ye were in the 60’s
— Sean Gregan (@Sean_Gregan) June 15, 2019
To say that I’m disappointed is probably the understatement of my life supporting #offaly hurling!
— Niall Spollen (@niallspollen) June 15, 2019
Maybe the powers that be in GAA land might consider giving Fenway Park a miss next year and spend the money promoting hurling at home. Hurling can not afford the loss of Offaly to the 3rd tier
— Frank Nyhan (@FrankGNyhan) June 15, 2019
#BringBackKevinMartin Dark day for Offaly. Was coming along time. Devastated for the lads. But some serious questions have to be answered at the top tables now!
— Johnno Kinahan (@JohnnoKinahan14) June 15, 2019
The darkest day in Offaly Hurling history big changes needed on & off the field #OffalyGAA #GAABelong #RTEGAA
— Ross Wynne (@RossWynne16) June 15, 2019
A sad day today for Offaly hurling and hurling in general to see such a great hurling county relegated to the Christy Ring Cup next year. Hopefully they can regroup and bounce back next year. #GAABelong
— Edward Leonard (@newedleonard) June 15, 2019
Offaly at the same level of Hurling as Kildare next year, Wowzers. #ChristyRingCup
— Robert Cribbin (@rob_cribbin) June 15, 2019
