Did Offaly ruin the integrity of the competition? | Kildare woes | What now for Laois

Shane and Michael review the final round of the Joe McDonagh after Offaly put out what was largely a second-string team against Carlow.

Laois manager Willie Maher was unhappy with Offaly who put out a much-chanegd side in their final Joe McDonagh Cup group game against Carlow.

A win was enough for the Barrowsiders to qualify for the final ahead of both the O’Moore County and Kerry — who also met this past weekend.

Maher’s men claimed a victory in vain as Carlow won at their ease against Johnny Kelly‘s Offaly.

“It’s great to win, but it’s very disappointing what Offaly did,” a frustrated Maher told Midlands 103.

“We knew it was out of our hands, but I think the integrity of the competition [has been undermined].

“The team that tops the group and makes 12 changes for the last game… it’s very disappointing.

“That was Offaly’s decision, they’re in the McDonagh Cup final and more power to them.”

Shane Stapleton put Offaly native Michael Verney under the spotlight regarding the situation.

Faithful doss Kelly had said after the game: “The narrative during the week was that we were putting out a second string team.

“Look, we had a lot of guys out there that needed game-time.

We also have a lot of guys who are carrying injuries and it will be touch-and-go whether these guys will be ready for the final in two weeks’ time.”