Senior Hurling: Fr. Tom Burke's v Offaly

Fr. Tom Burke’s 4-21 Offaly 4-9

It was another one-sided affair in the senior hurling encounter between Offaly and Fr. Tom Burke’s.  Tom’s were too strong in all facets of the game, and the scoring prowess of Naomh Barrog man, Dean Flood, Stiofan McMahon, and Jason Costello was something that Offaly could not match.  Flood proved to be a key factor in Tom’s efforts as they cruised to the win.

From the North side of Dublin to Canton, Dean Flood

put in a good first performance with Tom's. 

The opening exchanges saw Donal O’Dwyer and Jack Dunphy point for Offaly, with Flood and Costello getting on the board for Tom’s.  Shane Howley gave Tom’s a slight edge just before the game was blown open in the middle third.  Tom’s went on a 2-5 to 0-1 scoring advantage.  After a goal from McMahon, points came from Costello, Flood, Conor Freeman, and McMahon.  A Costello goal book-ended the phase and with the best part of 10 minutes to go in the opening half, Tom’s sat on a nine point lead.  Sharper to the ball in defence and up-front, Tom’s had a decided advantage.  Offaly managed to drop it in to the Tom’s box on a number of occasions having moved Thomas Jackman to a more firward position, however, could not capitalize.  The teams traded points heading in to the break to make it a 2-12 to 0-6 Tom’s lead at the short whistle.

Donal O'Dwyer on the ball for Offaly.

Offaly had a glimmer of hope shortly after the restart after Jack Dunphy ushered the ball into the back of the net, but Tom’s erased the score in short order with points from Freeman, Craig Taylor and a third goal, this one coming from Flood.   Tom’s continued to dial up the points, however, Offaly battled away and were rewarded with a second goal, this one from Thomas Jackman.  Before the end of it all the Faithful county boys had added two more in the final minutes to put an air of respectability on the scoreboard.  Tom’s looking bright, Offaly with a bit of work to do.

Tom’s:  Kevin Flynn, Dean Earls, Dylan Costello, Craig Taylor, Vincent Doyle, Danny Burke, Aaron Moore, Seamus Higgins, Jason Costello, Dean Flood, Shane Howley, Stiofan McMahon, Conor Freeman.

Offaly:  Gary Sherlock, Oisin McCormack, Seamus Loftus, Emmett Moran, Jimmy Rigney, Jack Murray, Donal O’Dwyer, Tomas Quirk, Jack Dunphy, Tomas Jackman, Killian Campbell, Cian Clifford, Conor Grimes.

By Rory O'Donnell