A first-ever meeting of parish rivals Bracknagh and Clonbullogue in the Offaly SFC yesterday was overshadowed by a serious injury to Ruairí O’Neill.

The Clonbullogue forward, whose brother Keith is a regular starter in the Offaly attack, landed awkwardly on his back after contesting a high ball in the Bracknagh goalmouth coming up to half-time. The injury didn’t appear to be too serious at first as O’Neill was briefly treated on the pitch before being helped over the endline where he continued to receive treatment from medics. But just after the half-time whistle sounded, word filtered through that an ambulance had been called for the stricken player and the start of the second half was delayed by almost an hour.

Offaly GAA has wished Ruairí a speedy recovery.

Bracknagh went on to win an eventful local derby in Clonbullogue by 3-7 to 0-12, with both teams having a player each sent off following a post-match melee.

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