Open Champion Shane Lowry has been asked about what he thinks of how new senior Offaly hurling manager Michael Fennelly will get on in his new role, leading to the Clara man to say, "I never thought I'd get asked a question like that at the Italian Open."
The 32-year-old is in Rome preparing for the European Tour event, which he will get underway on Thursday, playing alongside Francesco Molinari and Matt Wallace.
However, in the lead-up to the competition, Lowry faced questions on how he thinks the Offaly hurlers will fare in the upcoming season.
The Faithful's hurling stature has fallen in recent years, with the county falling into the Christy Ring Cup and face 2020 in Division 2A of the National Hurling League.
Eight-time All-Ireland winner with Kilkenny Michael Fennelly will lead Offaly in 2020 - taking over the reins from Joachim Kelly who was in temporary charge.
When asked how he thought Offaly will do in 2020, Lowry said, "I suppose the only way is up. He's asking about where I'm from like that's the team where I'm from.
"The only way is up for those lads, so hopefully, it will start next year."
The management teams for 2020 were confirmed last night by Offaly GAA, with Fennelly to be joined by David Kenny, Michael Kavanagh, and Johnny Kelly
Management Teams 2020
SH: Michael Fennelly, David Kenny, Michael Kavanagh, Johnny Kelly
MH: Leo O'Connor, Leonard Deane, Ray Cordial
U20F: Declan Kelly, Ger Rafferty, David Connolly, Gavin Sheils, Ciaran Grennan
MF: Ken Furlong, Cathal Daly, Tom Coffey, Stephen Lonergan
— Official Offaly GAA (@Offaly_GAA) October 8, 2019
However, it was not the only GAA-related question that Lowry had to field in the press conference, which led to the Clara man saying "Jesus Christ" through laughter.
He was asked if he would rather the Offaly footballers lifting Sam Maguire for the first time since that goal by Seamus Darby in 1982, or a win with the European Ryder Cup team.
"Selfishly speaking I'd rather play in the Ryder Cup, and I want to win the Ryder Cup," said Lowry
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