Offaly hurling captain Charlie Mitchell says he’s hopeful that he can play some part in his team’s championship campaign after being diagnosed with a heart condition a few months ago.

Mitchell, who succeeded Ciaran Burke as Faithful County skipper at the start of the year, has yet to lead his team out of the dressing room after he was diagnosed with myocarditis, which is inflammation of the heart muscle.

Offaly are set to commence their Leinster senior hurling championship bid at home to Dublin on Saturday week and, speaking to RTE Sport this week, Mitchell said that he remains hopeful of playing some part in his county’s upcoming campaign.

"It’s day by day at the moment. There are more tests to do but I’m remaining positive that I might see game time,” he said.

"It’s been tough. You go from training three to four times a week and have that taken away, so it’s hard to figure. I’m still mad to get back on the field pucking a ball, but then you get perspective quickly, too. Your health is the most important thing."

The University of Galway student added: "It's tough mentally, but you help the lads as much as you can and hopefully now everything works out with the tests and then I can get to play some part in the championship.”

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