Sat Aug 27 - Junior A Hurling FInal: Offaly v Galway

Offaly 2-17 Galway 0-9

The Eddie Treacy Cup went to Offaly at the first time of asking.  The faithful county men opened up a nine point lead early in the game, and by the time they settled down, Galway could not eat into the deficit.  Offaly dominated the game from start to finish and never looked in danger of relinquishing their lead.

Offaly Hurling Club celebrate the junior A championship.

Offaly held a sizeable lead at the break.  It was almost all one direction stuff, Cathal Mahon was strong in the middle of the field, and the forward line displayed a level of expertise that the Galway defenders had a hard time coping with.  Stephen Brown’s goal was a great example, just as it looked as if the first touch had let him down in front of the net, Brown adjusted accordingly and made the tap into the net look easy.

Andy McRedmond hoists the Eddie Treacy Cup.

Offaly had a built a 1-6 lead before Galway, who had lost the services of their Beagh contingent during the week, scored.  Brown, Cathal Mahon, and James Kilmartin were on the mark.  Conor O’Brien opened Galway’s account, and the latter part of the half was a more evenly contested affair.  JJ Doyle and Mark Devine brought Galway’s total to 3, while Offaly took the break with a goal and 10.

A Galway comeback looked a possibility for a time early in the second half.  Seamus Loftus and Cian Clifford did well in the back line and Galway as team looked more settled.  Also, Offaly missed a couple of chances, the type that they were hitting in the first half.  Points from Devine and JJ Doyle reduced the deficit, however, Offaly regained control before long.

James Rigney did a lot of work in his own back line, and Gary Sherlock stepped up when called upon.  A second Offaly goal was scored in unusual circumstances.  Stephen Brown’s pickup from a 21 yard free dropped to the ground, and the former Offaly county player pulled on it to drive the ball into the back of the net as the Galway defensive wall was caught off guard.  The Offaly lead of 14 points was now almost unassailable.  A faithful first in Boston, and a great maiden season for the Offaly club.

Offaly:  G. Sherlock, A. Bergin, J. Murray, T. Rigney, A. McRedmond, A. Camon, C. Mahon, R. Reynolds, M. Markham, L. Kiely, J. Rigney, J. Kilmartin, S. Brown.

Galway:  R. Grealish, M. Lennon, D. O’Leary, C. Clifford, S. Loftus, E. Daniels, B. McGuane, T. McCluster, A. Murphy, C. O’Brien, M. Devine, G. Walsh, JJ Doyle.

By Rory O'Donnell