Offaly are expected to appeal James Mahon’s controversial sending off in last Saturday’s Allianz Hurling League 1-11 to 0-21 defeat to Waterford.

There was widespread disbelief after the corner back was issued with a straight red card by last year’s All-Ireland SHC final referee Johnny Murphy in the 24th minute for what looked like a shoulder-to-shoulder challenge with Waterford opponent Gavin Fives. It came after Murphy consulted with his linesman Sean Stack and after inter-county referees had been instructed to clamp down on head-high challenges in the wake of the recent Tipperary v Kilkenny game which saw Alan Tynan sent off for a shoulder challenge on Cian Kenny.

Despite losing in Walsh Park, Offaly had already secured promotion to Division 1A for 2026 and are hopeful that Mahon will be cleared to line out in the Division 1B final rematch against the Deise on the weekend after next.

"It wasn't a red card for us but that's what happened. This is the way they're clamping down,” a frustrated Offaly manager Johnny Kelly said.

"It's just unfortunate for such a good young man and a good player that he has to see red for that. We'll have to talk to other people about that (lodging an appeal) and see."

Cárta dearg bronnta ansin agus tá Uíbh Fháilí síos go 14! 😯

Cad a cheapann sibh sa mbaile faoin gceann sin? Offaly are down to 14.

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— Spórt TG4 (@SportTG4) March 22, 2025

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