Johnny Dooley believes relegation from Division 1 of the Allianz Hurling League would be disastrous for Offaly.

Kevin Martin's men take on Carlow in a relegation playoff on Sunday, just a week after they beat the same opposition for their first win of the year.

“It’s been a very poor league and that was the first sign of light at the end of the tunnel last weekend and up to then confidence was fairly brittle, but I’m not sure how much that’s going to mean this weekend," Faithful County legend Dooley said in the Irish Examiner.

“Our lads got goals then that they possibly won’t get again. It must be difficult for the players and the manager with all the negativity. It’s one of the biggest games in the history of Offaly hurling.

“Keeping that top 12 status is vital. A win would mean everything. They could take a break before the McDonagh Cup with a level of satisfaction and they could go into the summer with a pep in their step.

“If ever there was a game we must win this is it. I hope to God they do it for all the Offaly people but it’s going to be a tall order."

Join the hoganstand.com match tracker on Sunday for live coverage of the Allianz Hurling Leagues.

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