LILYWHITES FEEL' READY FOR CROKER

OFFALY'S victory over Kildare in Tullamore just under a fortnight ago was their first in 14 meetings over 21 years.

- MICHAEL SCULLY

The Leinster rivals meet again at Croke Park tomorrow (1.45pm) for the Division 3 title - and with promotion secured to the second tier at Clare's expense.

Brian Flanagan's Lilywhites were cruising until back to back losses to the Banner and then the Faithful, a 2-17 to 0-17 loss at O'Connor Park.

But Kildare enjoyed an 11-point victory in their final round meeting with Antrim last Sunday saw them top the table as second-placed Offaly fell to Clare in Ennis.

"We were very happy with the second half performance, it hopefully puts us in good shape for this week," said Kildare skipper Kevin Feely.