Junior A Hurling Final - Offaly v Galway

Offaly 2-19 Galway 2-13

Offaly won the junior A hurling championship with a convincing performance against a Galway side that really didn’t start playing till the second half when the gap was too great to overcome.   The week leading up to the game saw an objection from the semi-final by Fr. Tom’s that was first upheld, and then thrown out, by the various committee’s involved, and Offaly did not find out whether they would be contesting the final until a day before the final.  It was a game that featured 8 home grown players between the teams as the movement towards developing the locally born talent gains momentum.

Offaly 2022 Junior A Champions

Offaly held a sizeable lead at the break having netted through Galway man, Kevin Larkin, who was followed by Sean Moriarty with a second goal.  Up to that point the teams had been hanging with each other, Offaly held a one point lead.  For Galway Sean Whealan at center forward opened the scoring and midfielder Eoin Kerin added a second.  Offaly got off the mark through stalwart, James Rigney who lined out at corner forward.  Galway added two more, Aidan O’Malley – one of the Home Grown contingent – and Danny Lynch had Galway in an early 4 points to one lead.  Offaly started to get into the swing of things then.

Rigney and Moriarty pointed again for the faithful county, before Lynch had Galway up by two with a great score, but Offaly then stepped up the tempo and for the second 15 minutes started to put Galway farther in the rearview mirror.  Larkin found the mark with three points on the trot for Offaly to take the lead, and then as Galway were seeking a response, hit with a goal.  The scoring flurry continued with another Larkin point.  Lynch pointed for Galway, however, any hopes from the tribesmen of stemming the tide were in vain.  Another goal came from the stick of Moriarty, and Larking went into full swing again with 3 more unanswered points, Evan Campbell capped of the run of scores with a point to make it Offaly 2-11 Galway 0-6 at the break.

The early part of the second half saw Offaly pad the lead by two more points.  Lynch reopened for Galway, and again, Larkin was the man putting the ball between the posts.  A 13 point lead is a mountain to climb, even in hurling, but Galway set about trying to climb it.  The lead was cut by two points as Galway converted to 4 points to Offaly’s two, Aidan O’Malley contributing with 2 of the Galway tally.  Danny Lynch’s goal for Galway was followed by 2 more points, Cormac Kelly getting in on the act and Kerin adding another.  6 points in it now, and, like in the semi-final, Offaly needed to raise their game again to hold their opponents at bay.

Time was on the side of the Offalymen, and although Galway found the net one more time through Kerin, it would not make a dent in the lead as it was matched by 3 points from Mike Lennon, Larkin and Eoghan Fitzgerald.  Offaly junior A hurling champions for 2022 and on to Chicago for the faithful men.

Offaly:  Darragh Kealy, Dan Williams, Liam O’Connor, Jack Murray, Cathal Hayes, Jack Lynch, Evan Campbell, Michael Moriarty, Sean Moriarty, Tom Lind, Kevin larkin, Michael Lennon, James Rigney. 

Galway:  Aidan Joyce, Greg Lundy, Pat Moylan, Aidan Flanagan, Danny Lynch, Eoin Casey, Eoin Morissey, Eoin Kerin, Aidan O’Malley, Sean Whealan, Cormac Kelly, JJ Doyle, Conor Gilligan.

By Rory O'Donnell

Photo Aoife Griffin

Junior A Hurling Semi-Final: Offaly v Fr. Tom Burke's

Offaly 2-16 Fr. Tom Burke’s 2-13

Robert Croft takes off for Offaly

It was a game of 2 halves between Offaly and Fr. Tom’s with Offaly dominating the opening 30 minutes, while Tom’s looked not to be at the races.  The second half was a turnaround with Tom’s keeping the Offaly men on edge and almost pulling off a comeback only to fall short as time ran out. 

Offaly outscored their opponents 11 points to 3 in the opening 30 minutes.  The Offaly men were first to everything and scores came from a few different quarters.  Kevin Larkin was the main threat with the free-taking duties and the wing forward accounted for 6 of the 11 Offaly points.  Robert Croft was not far behind with 3 points from play and the Dubliner fired a couple of impressive scores over the bar.   Tom’s looked like they were severely struggling in the heat and to get some kind of momentum going, and did not get much of a return for their efforts.  It took a long range free from Fran Keenan who had lined out in goal to get them off the mark, followed by seasoned veteran Seamie Higgins with a score.  Enda Keary accounted for the third point for Tom’s, but the way the game was going an easy Offaly victory looked like it was on the cards.

The second 30 minutes was a completely different story, and Tom’s will have been wondering why they left it so long to get going.  Once they did Tom’s looked impressive with the big guns getting into the flow and hitting some great scores.  John O’Doherty came on at half forward and also aided the efforts of the Tom’s men, and the game took on a whole different complexion.

Dylan Costello rises for Tom's

The Offaly lead was shrinking as Tom’s had fired over 3 points to one from the Faithful County side shortly following the restart.  Croft accounted for the Offaly score, and then it was Cormac Joyce-Power, O’Doherty, and Aaron Moore who put three over without reply.   Offaly were under pressure to regain the advantage and a goal from substitute Pat Murray provided relief from the onslaught.  Murray’s low shot sneaked into the inside of the near post and Tom’s good work to begin the second half was undone in one swing of the hurl.

But, back to work went the Tom’s men.  Joyce-Power and O’Doherty had the gap back to 6 points with three unanswered points and again, the tables looked like they could well turn.  A 65 from Aaron Moore made it 5 between the teams but when Offaly had to dig in, they did.  Offaly had a chance to open the gap again after winning a penalty.  James Rigney was the taker, but in the showdown between Kinnity and Camross, it was the Laois man who came out on top and Fran Keenan was equal to the shot, and deflected it over the bar for a point instead of 3.

Offaly got some great play from Home Grown players Sean O’Shaughnessy in the back line and Tom Lind up front.  O’Shaughnessy won a number of balls and cleared well, while Tom Lind at half forward did well to keep the ball moving.  Points from Pat Murray and Croft had Offaly breathing easy again.  But, Tom’s were not done with keeping Offaly nerves on edge as O’Doherty netted to put 4 between the teams and with time still on the clock, it was very much game on.  Offaly got the goal right back though, as Larking hit the net following an assist from Croft.  Tom’s had to go for goal now, and a couple of low attempts resulted in a point.  Joyce-Power netted a late goal and with just 3 points in it, there was still a chance form Tom’s.  Unfortunately for them, and to Offaly’s relief, the whistle blew for full time before there was another chance at goal and Offaly will be meeting Galway in Sunday’s final.

Offaly:  Darragh Kealy, Simon Sinnot, Liam O’Connor, Jack Murray, Cathal Hayes, Sean O’Shaughnessy, James Rigney, Robert Croft, Evan Campbell, Tom Lind, Kevin Larkin, Michael Lennon, Stephen Brown. 

Tom’s:  Fran Keenan, Ciaran Mulhall, Brian Troy, John O’Riordan, Brian Flynn, Paul Cannon, Jack Martyn, Oisin McCormack, Aaron Moore, Seamus Higgins, Enda Keary, Jason Costello, Cormac Joyce-Power.

By Rory O'Donnell

Junior A Hurling - Offaly Hold Sean Og's at Bay

Eoin Morrissey on the Run for Sean Og's

The junior A hurling championship commenced on sunny Saturday afternoon with a slight breeze making conditions quite pleasant.  There were goals aplenty, and after falling behind and chasing for the rest of the game, Sean Og’s almost got themselves back into it in the second half with 2 Matty Duane goals as the tempo picked up pace in the final quarter.  Offaly had the marksmanship of Jack Murray and Evan Campbell to thank, as well as a late flurry of Mike Lennon scores, for keeping their noses ahead as Sean Og’s made their late run.

The biggest difference between the teams in the opening 30 minutes was accuracy.  Offaly made more of their chances, and while Sean Og’s linked up quite well at times along with some solid running from Eoin Morissey down the middle, but the final effort was off the mark more frequently than they would have liked.  Mike Lennon got an early goal for Offaly, and the sturdy number 12 at corner forward was always a danger when the ball was in his hand.  Sean Og’s answered with the powerful Matty Duane answering in kind, and we had a game on.

Jack Murray was the man who kept the scoreboard moving for Offaly through frees or open play.  Sean O’Shaughnessy in midfield also kept the ball moving for Offaly, and with scores from Lennon and O’Shaughnessy there was a 5 point gap at the break, 1-8 to 1-3 in favor of the faithful.   Ciaran Flanagan, Dylan Coyne and Duane had pointed to keep the youngsters in touch.

Simon Sinnott Clears for Offaly

The second half saw Offaly threaten to pull away, but Duane’s powerful finishes kept them reined in.  Three points on the trot, 2 from Murray and one from Campbell, after play restarted were pulled back in one whip of the stick from Duane.  After Coyne narrowed the gap to 4 points with a well taken effort, Offaly again stretched the lead through Pat Murray and Campbell points.  Again, the scores were canceled out but a Duane rocket into the back of the net.   Sean Og’s were starting to look like they could pull it out of the hat in the last 15 minutes.

With the game on the line coming into the final quarter the intensity ratcheted up a bit, and with Offaly having two players hobbled, one at either end of the field, there was a chance for Sean Og’s to turn the lead.  Keeper Daragh Kealy and corner forward Ciaran Lynch each lame with injuries, but played on out of necessity.  After Jack Murray scored a point worthy of the highest level of the game from distance, two Aidan O’Malley frees again reduced the gap to a goal.  It was corner forward Lennon who was key for Offaly in the late stages with a point followed by a goal.  Lennon was first to the rebound off a Jack Murray shot to net and seemingly secure the points.  Sean Og’s did not down tools and continued to keep up the pressure, and scored a late goal from Ciaran Flanagan, but it was just too late to turn the tables and first points of the 2022 season go to the Offaly men.    

Offaly 2-16 Sean Og’s 4-7

Sean Og’s:  Aidan Joyce, Aidan Flanagan, Colm O’Malley, John O’Doherty, Eoin Morissey, Eamon Kelly, Aidan O’Malley, Matty Duane, Ciaran Flanagan, Dylan Coyne, Michael Winston, Brendan Smith, Brian Cahill, Conor Smith, Niall O’Malley.  Offaly:  Darragh Kealy, Jack Lynch, Simon Sinnott, Jack Murray, Cathal Hayes, Tom Lind, Ciaran Lynch, Sean O’Shaughnessy, Marty Gallagher, Evan Campbell, Pat Murray, Kevin Larkin, Mike Lennon, Ciaran Lynch.

By Rory O'Donnell

Senior Hurling - Fr. Tom Burke's v Offaly

Fr. Tom Burke’s 3-22 Offaly 1-11

Offaly and Tom’s met in the second senior hurling match of the season, and Tom’s eased to a convincing win.  In this all home-based season Offaly called upon the services of a handful of Home Grown players from Junior B side, Worcester, who acquitted themselves well.  Although the outcome was pretty much clear after the first 10-15 minutes with Tom’s never in any trouble, to their credit Offaly kept their side of the scoreboard ticking over.

Jason Costello was the man on the sport for
many of Tom's scores.

Within the first 15 minutes Jason Costello had bagged a hat trick as Tom’s were well in control of affairs.  Liam Moore, Fergus Byrne and Fran Keenan also had found the mark before Offaly tallied a score.  The Faithful men stuck to their task however, and started to get things moving on the scoreboard.  Jimmy Rigney banged a few points over the bar and was the main outlet for Offaly’s scores, with Tom Lind also adding to the Offaly tally.  With Tom’s firing the points over almost at will, a goal came late in the half from Andrew Engel to lift Offaly spirits.  At the break it was a 3-14 to 1-8 Tom’s lead.

The second half continued much in the same vein as the first, with Liam Moore and Jason Costello combining nicely for scores on the couple of occasions.  Jack Martyn has developed into a very capable hurler and made a good contribution to the Tom’s efforts.  The scores kept coming for Tom’s as they added a second win for 2 out of 2 in this year’s senior hurling championship.

Tom’s:  K. Flynn, O. McCormack, A Coleman, B. Flynn, D. Higgins, G. Dillon, N. Murphy, J. Martyn, F. Byrne, F. Keenan, L. Moore, C. O’Donoghue, J. Costello.  Subs:  J. Mellick, S. Higgins, J. O’Doherty,

Offaly:  D. Smith, D. Nyland, S. Sinnott, J. Green, S. O’Shaughnessy, D. Williams, T. Lind, J, Rigney, M. Moriarty, J. Murray, A. Engel, C. Lynch, S. Whitty. D. Theriault.

By Rory O'Donnell

Sat Aug 17 - Junior A Hurling Final: Offaly v Fr. Tom Burke's

Offaly 1-19 Fr. Tom Burkes 2-13

It was a to and fro junior A hurling final with each side going on scoring spurts.  At the end of it all it was Offaly with the three point advantage.  The difference in the end was a second half goal from Victor Costello.  Offaly weathered a late Tom’s storm to hold on and capture their second championship in 3 years.

Oisin McCormack accepts the trophy

from Peter Murray.

Offaly got off the better start with 6 unanswered points.  Brian Murray was on song with the frees, while Jimmy Rigney and Stephen Brown also contributed to the tally.  Tom’s weren’t long about getting on even terms.  Two Conor O’Kane points were followed by a Jack Martyn goal.  The home grown player found himself through on goal and tipped the ball past Offaly goalkeeper, Gary Sherlock and into the net.  Tom’s now had the momentum and added three further points from O’Kane, one from a penalty.

Niall Gleeson was bearing down on the Offaly goal and was taken out of his stride with an illegal challenge.  O’Kane took the penalty and his shot one hopped before Sherlock deflected the ball over the crossbar.   Now it was Tom’s up by two points.  The game swung back in favour of the faithful county as the Offaly men wrested back the initiative.  Seven points on the trot restored the initiative.  Rigney, Ronan Coffey, Paul Clifford, Noel Graham and Murray all scored as it was one way traffic in the run up to the break.  Offaly held a 0-13 to 1-6 lead at the break.

Offaly struck with a goal of their own about 5 minutes into the second half.  Ronan Coffey finished expertly into the far corner with just the keeper to beat, and Tom’s had it all to do.  With Tom’s trying to hit Cormac Joyce-Power on the edge of the square, Tom’s dropped Jimmy Rigney back and the Kinnity man swept up the searching balls well.  Offaly built on the lead with scores from Rigney, Murray, and a wonderful point from the wing by Sallins, Co. Kildare native, Paul Clifford.

A second Junior A Championship for Offaly hurlers.

The Offaly lead held at 9 points as the clock ran down and the cup looked destined to be headed for the Offaly men.  The game was set for an exciting finish however.  Tom’s made a final push to try and turn the tables.  5 scores, one a goal, brought them within a goals of their opponents.  A goal from O’Kane came amid a flurry of 4 unanswered points and a game that looked completely lost was back in reach, still with a few minutes left.  Tom’s tried everything to pull back the goal and square up the scored, but Offaly managed to keep the threat at bay until the final whistle.

Offaly:  Gary Sherlock, Andy McRedmond, Seamus Loftus,  Emmet Moran, Jack Lynch, Jimmy Rigney, Oisin McCormack (C), Killian Campbell, Paul Clifford, Stephen Brown, Noel Graham, Brian Murray, Ronan Coffey.

Tom’s: Fran Keenan, Peter Boylan, Sean O’Brien, Paddy Crichley, Jack Hannon, Seamus Higgins, Conor Eddery, Ciaran Mulhall, Jack Martyn, Cormac Joyce-Power, Conor O’Kane, Niall Gleeson, Dylan Costello.

By Rory O'Donnell

Sat Jul 27 - Junior Hurling: Offaly v Fr. Tom Burke's; Portland v Hartford

Once again in the Junior A Championship, Father Tom Burkes faced off against Offaly in what was going to be a preview of the Junior A Final. Offaly came into today’s match unbeaten and intended to keep it that way, while Father Tom’s were looking to get retribution for their previous match where they failed to secure a victory.

The match started off slowly, with the Tom’s initially struggling to get going. Offaly had struggles of their own as they had a number of shots go wide. It would be Offaly who would open the scoring with a point from midfielder Chris McMahon. Tom’s would respond with two quick points from Frank Dowd and Niall Gleeson. Offaly would then go on a points run and build a lead of 3 points and looked to be flowing and having one up on the Tom’s. A well placed goal from Niall Gleeson however would give the Tom’s hope, as the goal and the following point would put them in the lead once again, Offaly would reply in kind though as Chris McMahon once again would step up for the Offaly men and score a goal and a point before the end of a slow paced half where Offaly would lead 1-7 to 1-4

Offaly would continue the 2nd half and add to their tally with points from Jimmy Rigney and Gary Sherlock. Tom’s would not lay down though as they retaliated with a well worked goal as Chris Donaghue would make a pass to Niall Glesson who made a good run into the Offaly defence and slotted it past the keeper. Donaghue then fielded the subsequent puckout and passed to Conor O’Kane who scored another point. Both teams would go back and forth, Tom’s looking to further close the gap, and Offaly looking to maintain their lead. It would be Offaly who would set the game to bed though as Sean Kinsella would score a goal from a free from outside the square, which was well placed in the lower left, just out of reach of Tom’s keeper Fran Keenan. Tom’s would try and work on their deficit with multiple scores, including a good side line cut for a point from Conor O’Kane, and a goal from outside the square from Niall Gleeson. But Offaly would seal the victory with a goal from Sean Kinsella once again, who hit the rebound off a great save from Tom’s keeper Fran Keenan, to win the game 3-17 to 3-8.

With this win, Offaly finish top of the table and the league undefeated. Father Tom’s have one more match to play against Galway next weekend to work on their form and to fine tune before facing the undefeated Offaly once again in the Junior A Hurling Final

Father Tom’s: Fran Keenan, Peter Boylan, Paddy Critchley, Seamie Higgins, Ryan Maher, Ciaran Mulhall, Conor O’Kane, Colm Kearns, Frank Dowd, Chris Donaghue, Niall Gleeson, Conor Eddery, Terry Doran

Offaly: Noel Graham, Michael Markham, Simon Sinnot, Jimmy Rigney, Brian Murray, Jack Lynch, Emmet Moran, Chris McMahon, Gary Sherlock, CIan Clifford, Sean Kinsella, Oisin McCormack, Killian Cambell

Portland vs Hartford - Junior C Hurling Championship (July 28th)

Hartford and Portland met on a muggy Sunday morning to compete in the Junior C hurling championship. Portland were in the hunt for their first win of the season, while Hartford were looking to get their 3rd win of the season. 

Portland started the game strong and scored a number of points without reply before Hartford got onto the scoresheet. But before they could build some momentum, Portland would score 2 quick goals to widen the gap. Hartford had moments of brilliance as I.Fischer made a great run from his own half to score a goal, and B.Park would get a goal from the 45 yard line to give their team hope. However, Portland drove on and continued to add to their tally to win comfortably for their first win of the season. By Evan McDonagh

Sat Jul 20 - Junior Hurling: Galway v Offaly, Providence v Seán Óg's

Offaly 3-24 Galway 3-19

It was a high scoring and unexpectedly entertaining affair between the junior  A hurlers of Galway and Offaly on an oppressive Saturday afternoon at the ICC in Canton.  Offaly just about pulled the game out of the fire in injury time.  Galway held the edge for most of the first half and hurled extremely well, with some wonderful points put over the bar.  Offaly came out in the second and visibly lifted their game both in defence and attack, and pulled out the win to maintain their winning record.  Galway fielded 6 American kids who came up through the underage ranks and each gave an excellent account of themselves.

Offaly just edged  out Galway Saturday afternoon.

Offaly were ahead by 2 points early after Gavin Walsh netted.  The man from Kilcock won a ball that was sent in high and fired on the turn off his left side into the net.  Galway soon had the goal, and the lead restored.  Cormack Kelly netted with a goal as well taken as Walsh’s.  Galway proceeded to hurl very well in their half back line, and produced some fine points from distance.  James Burke, Corey Buckley, and Ken O’Callaghan all hit the mark, while youngsters Mike Moylan, Colm O’Malley and Eoin Morissey did well as Galway opened an eight point lead. 

Offaly remained in touch and managed to rein in the deficit, reducing it to four before the break.  Ronan Coffee at corner forward and Victor Costello, who started at center back, pointed as did midfielder Brian Murray. Galway were still able to fire over the scores however, and by the time the half time whistle sounded one might have favoured the westerners and their 4 point lead to end up winners.

The second half saw Offaly turn the tables and gain parity after 8 minutes.  The level of urgency was stepped up and the Offaly men visibly lifted their game.  After two points from Murray and another from Jimmy Rigney, Robbie Croft leveled the scores and then put Offaly ahead with a point from a tight angle.  Rigney was all over the field now and winning ball in the back line and then was to be found up front. 

Galway had the Faithful County on the Ropes Early on.

Galway hit back with a Michael Lennon goal, but Offaly did not get deflated and had the teams level again following points from Ronan Coffee who started to look much more dangerous in the second period.  Cormac Kelly Put Galway ahead again, but after Victor Costello leveled with a wonderful point and was followed by a massive free from Murray inside his own half Offaly took the lead and would not fall behind again.

Rigney netted to put his side five points to the good after Walsh found him with a pass, Rigney and Coffee points had put their side in the lead.  It was Galway’s turn not to catch up, and catch up they did as the final 10 minutes was as exciting as any.  Each side picked off points, and with Offaly up six, Galway halved the deficit with a Lennon goal from an Eoin Morissey pass.   Three quick points on the trot from Burke (2) and Ken O’Callaghan saw the team level with the 30 minutes played, but it was Offaly who won the critical ball in the final stages.  Two Murray frees, followed by a goal with the final puck of the game from Coffee saw the faithful county to the victory and a hard earned 2 points.

Offaly:  Simon Sinnott, Oisin McCormack, Denis Harrington, Chris McMahon, Victor Costello, Emmet Moran, Killian Campbell, Brian Murray, Jimmy Rigney, Robbie Croft, Sean Whitley, Gavin Walsh, Ronan Coffee.  Subs: Sean Kinsella, Mickey Markham.

Galway:  Aidan Joyce, Greg Lundy, Pat Moylan, Colm O’Malley, James Burke, Sean Melville, Ken O’Callaghan, Michael Moylan, Eoin Morissey, Corey Buckley, Cormac Kelly, Stephen Potter, Michael Lennon.  Sub; Aidan O’Malley.

Junior C Hurling

Seán Óg’s 4-13 Providence HC 1-3

Colm O'Malley on the ball.

In their maiden season, the Seán Óg’s hurlers are impressing in the junior C championship.  The youth program graduates recorded another win, this one against Providece Hurling Club on Saturday afternoon at the ICC in Canton.  The result sets up a big game between the young Americans and last season’s champions, the New Hampshire Wolves, for a tie for top spot in the table and a possible automatic place in the final.

In the first half Steven Joyce and Eoin Morissey netted, while there were some impressively taken points by Michael Moylan, Jack Martyn, and Dylan Coyne.  Providence got themselves on the scoreboard with a goal from Mike Walsh, while Arlow Heimer-Bumstead popped over a nice point, with Jimmy Glendenning and Matt Parks adding to the tally.  

By Rory O'Donnell

Sat Aug 25 - Junior A Hurling Final: Offaly v Galway

Offaly 2-16 Galway 4-15
Galway captured the junior hurling trophy with a victory over an Offaly team that kept plugging away, but could not quite make up the sizeable gap they had given themselves to overcome.  Four first half goals for Galway saw the Offaly team looking into a 12 point half time hole.  Offaly reduced the lead to a single score, but that was as close as the faithful county side got. 

Offaly Gave it a Rattle but Could not Catch Galway.

The teams matched each other for points in the opening 30 minutes, but Offaly were staring into a 12 point hole at the half after Galway netted 4 times in the space of 10 minutes to take a firm hold of the game.  JJ Doyle, who resurrected himself to almost legendary status goaled twice from corner forward for Galway.  Adam Kenny set Doyle up for the first one which the Wexford native buried, and for the second Doyle sneaked the ball into the far corner.  Jack Lyons and John Moylan claimed the others, each well taken strikes.

For Offaly it was Stephen Brown at corner forward, and Jimmy Rigney and Eric Finn on the half forward line who were the main threats.  Finn opened up room for himself with his speed to pop over twice, and balance were taken between Rigney and Brown.  Unfortunately for Offaly, there were many balls that dropped into the forward line that the Galway backs were alert to and cleared well.  Galway put them over the bar through Moylan, Jack Lyons, Mattie Brooks, Doyle, and Frank McCormack with a superb score to take the teams into the break.

Galway Hurling Club - Junior Champions

The second half saw much of the same woes befall Offaly with the Galway backs on top for most of the period.  Balls dropped in seemed to fall in front of a maroon jersey more often than not, but Offaly kept chipping away and eventually got some change from the Galway defence.  Finn pointed twice and Paul Clifford once to a single Galway score from Doyle before Brown netted.  Brown fetched a high ball and turned to fire the sliotar home.   It was still a dauting task to overcome though and the score made it a 7 point game.

Galway set about restoring their advantage with Moylan pointing from a free and once with a superb effort from play.  Adam Kenny also pointed for the westerners, but there was more to come from Offaly.  With the time fast running out Finn pointed twice, and Cormac Dunphy once with a great catch and strike before Brown hit with a second goal.  It came in similar fashion to the first and the 6 unanswered points put just 4 points in the game.  Rigney reduced the gap to a goal, and now it was a case of could Offaly net one more time before time ran out.  It was not the case as Galway pointed twice before the end, captain, Adam Kenny put both points over the bar to seal it for Galway. 

Offaly:  Gary Sherlock, Emmet Moran, Seamus Loftus, Jack Murray, Oisin McCormack, Jack Whelehan, Jack Dunford, Thomas Quirk, Eric Finn, James Rigney, Paul Clifford, Cian Clifford, Stephen Brown.

Galway:  John Coleman, James Kinsella, Cormac Dunphy, Peter Dolan, Trevor Lee, Frank McCormack, Mike Moylan, Ryan Garry, Jack Lyons, Adam Kenny, John Moylan, JJ Doyle, Mattie Brooks.

By Rory O'Donnell

Sunday July 29 - Senior Hurling: Offaly v Galway

Offaly 1-13 Galway 2-18

Galway came back from last week’s loss to Tom’s with a win over a game Offaly team who put in a great effort to turn the Tribe.  Offaly led early but Galway chipped away and late in the game goaled through Aidan Helebert to put the game beyond Offaly, who started to struggle a bit in the final quarter. 

Offaly's Seamus Loftus tries to gain possession.

The teams were tied at 1-8 each after 30 minutes.  Offaly played well at the back, and Jack Murray did well in the middle of the field, as did Cian Clifford at corner forward.  Offaly’s goal came courtesy of Clifford who got on the end of a high Jack Dunphy ball to reverse bat it into the Galway net.  Offaly points came from the usually reliable source of Niall Mannion, from play and the dead ball, while Jimmy Rigney and Dunphy also drove over some great long range scores.

Galway kept pace however, although the tribesmen trailed by 6 points at one stage they were not long pulling it back.  Jack Lyons at corner forward always looked dangerous.  At one point Gary Sherlok made a great close range save from Lyons, but about 5 minutes later Lyons had another chance and this time hit the back of the net.  Aidan Helebert was a little off early in the half, missing a handful of long range frees, but started to hit the mark as time wore on.  Oisin Donnellan clipped two nice efforts over the bar just before half time to make it a tie game at the break.

Offaly did well in the early going, but it was 

Galway who lasted the the 60 minutes.

With 15 minutes left Galway had edged into a 2 point lead.  Jack Lyons came into a deeper position, and at the back Trevor Lee did well.  One Galway score came from some good work at the back from Lee, and it ended with a Lyons point.  Center back Calum Lyons started to clean up a lot of loose ball into the Galway defence, and cleared well on several occasions to neutralize Offaly’s forays forward.

Offaly kept digging though, Emmet Moran worked hard at corner back, and a couple of half chances at goal presented themselves.  Clifford shot from an angle and John Coleman saved well and with 10 to go Jack Lynch had a half chance that went into the side netting.  Galway added to their lead and points from Helebert and John Moylan made it a two score game.  Mannion pulled one back but with the humid conditions taking their toll on players, scores were at a premium.  A Helebert goal with 5 minutes left sealed Offaly’s fate; 6 points looked like a mountain the way the game was going.  Galway bounce back following last week’s defeat to Tom’s, and Offaly just ran out of steam when the game was still in the balance.

Galway:  John Coleman, Trevor Lee, Cormac Dunphy, Brendan Furlong, Calum Lyons, Ryan Garry, Oisin Donnellan, Enda Feeney, Michael Moylan, Aidan Helebert, Adam Kenny, John Moylan, Jack Lyons.

Offaly:  Gary Sherlock, Emmet Moran, Thomas Quirke, Jack Murray, Seamus Loftus, Oisin McCormack, Chris McMahon, Jack Dunphy, Niall Mannion, James Rigney, Jack Lynch, Cillian Campbell, Cian Clifford.

By Rory O'Donnell

Sunday July 15 - Senior Hurling: Galway v Offaly

Offaly 2-17 Galway 4-28

 

Two goals and 17 points is no score to sniff at, but when your opponents are not too far from double that you are in trouble as Offaly found out on Sunday.  Galway were always a step or two ahead of their opponents, and while Offaly battled on gamely and tallied a respectable score, it was never going to be enough against a Galway side that had all their forwards with handsome contributions on the scoresheet.

 

Emmet Moran comes away with the ball for Offaly.

The first half saw Galway establish a substantial lead and watch it grow as the game wore on.  Oisin Donnellan at right half forward was very influential for Galway and the Galway puckouts were frequently sent in the direction of the Clareman.   Donnellan, along with his fellow half forwards each were on the scoreboard within the first 3 minutes as the Galway forward line were on target early.  Every shot was hit with true and between the posts.

Galway veteran James Kinsella sends it downfield.

Offaly kept close in the early going, however, after Jack Whelehan had made it a two point game with a fine score, Galway took over and grew their lead.  It is the first goal that tends to open the floodgates, and so it was after Jack Lyons netted following an assist from Aidan Helebert.  Points came from Frank McCormack, Helebert, and Jack Lyons as Offaly struggled to find a way past the Galway half back line.  Offaly worked hard to keep their own side of the scoreboard ticking over, Emmet Moran at corner back did well, while Niall Mannion put chances over the bar.  It was hard to make a dent in the gap for the Faithful men, however, and at the break Galway held a handsome lead.

The second half was more of the same as Galway continued to press home their advantage.  Offaly managed a couple of late consolation goals.  Mannion was played in by Jimmy Rigney and beat the keeper with a one hopper, and later in the game the wing forward found the net a second time.  Galway still in second place in the table, while it looks like it is between Offaly and Wexford for the fourth place and  a chance at junior honors.

Offaly:  Gary Sherlock, Conor Grimes, Emmet Moran, Jack Whelehan, Seamus Loftus, Oisin McCormack, Donal O’Dwyer, Jack Dunphy, Niall Mannion, Jack Murray, Jimmy Rigney, Brian Ramsey, Cian Clifford.

Galway:  John Coleman, Trevor Lee, John Moylan, Brendan Furlong, Shane O’Gorman, James Kinsella, Calum Lyons, Frank McCormack, Adam Kenny, Aidan Helebert, Oisin O’Donnell, Jack Lyons, Enda Feeney.

By Rory O'Donnell

Sunday July 1 - Senior Hurling: Offaly v Wexford

Offaly and Wexford met in a physical encounter on Sunday afternoon that saw the teams battle back and forth until Offaly was left standing two points clear. 

The first score of the match was a beautiful goal by Conor O’Shaugnessy for Wexford, who added a point off the ensuing puck out for an early advantage. Offaly reeled them back in with three straight points. 

Lyndon Kiely fired over a point for Wexford on the run, then spun around his defender on the next play to win a free. Sean Whalen tapped it over to extend Wexford’s lead. 

Niall Mannion got his name on the scoresheet for Offaly with three successive frees, the last of which was a soaring effort from his own 65. The referee was kept busy in this one as hurls and bodies clashed around the middle of the field. 

Minutes later, O’Shaugnessy took his marker on a long jaunt down the sideline —bouncing the the sliotar on his hurl until he deemed the range adequate, then sticking it over the bar. 

Eoghan Kavanagh added a second goal for Wexford right before the haltime whistle. Kavanagh left a sizable crowd of Offaly defenders in his wake en route to the penalty spot, where reared back and raised the roof of the net. Wexford led by six points at the break.

Whatever was said in Offaly’s halftime huddle worked, because they had four points on the board before Wexford realized the second half had begun. After a quick point off the throw in, they strung together a series of short passes inside the Wexford 45 that ended with Mannion burying a goal.

Wexford responded with a point to stem the bleeding, but Offaly found the back of the net again minutes later to draw level at 2-11 apiece. Brian Ramsey added another point for Offaly soon afterwards, then watched Mannion pad their lead with a confident blast from well outside the 21 meter line. 

Wexford didn’t blink and forced the game to go down to the wire. First, Jamie Kehoe carried a defender on his back as he maneuvered into the square, left his hurl behind, and kicked the sliotar over the bar. 

Then, after a free pulled them within two points, they had a glorious chance to win in the final seconds. The Offaly was scrambling under pressure as the ball skipped around the square, but it ended up squirming out just wide of the post and Offaly held on for a 2-18 to 3-17 win.

Wexford 

Colm Kierns, Mark Birmingham, Tom Davey, Tom Maloney, Shane Dolan, Liam Og Maguire, Jamie Kehoe, Shane Bourke, Lyndon Kiely, Eoghan Kavanagh, Jason Foley, Sean Whalen, Conor O’Shaugnessy Subs: Peter Ryan, Kevin Joyce, Paddy Naughton, Cormac Kelly, Johnny Fyre, Denis Brennan

Offaly

Gary Sherlock, Emmett Moran, Conor Grimes, Tomas Quirk, Oisin McCormack, Seamus Loftus, Donal O’Dwyer, Cillian Campbell, Niall Mannion, Cian Clifford, James Risney, Brian Ramsey, Stephen Brown Subs: Jack Murray, Chris McMahon, Jack Dunphy, Tomas Jackman, Jack Whelan, Eric Finn

Senior Hurling - Tipperary v Offaly

Tipperary 6- 19 Offaly 0-12

Tipperary were a level or two above Offaly in a game in which the faithful county battled hard, but could not match the power of their opponents.  Joe Coleman and Jerry O’Neill in the Wexford forward line provided a mountain that Offaly could not overcome.

Russell Quirke looks for assistance.

Joe Coleman at center forward was the powerhouse for Tipperary in the first half.  The St. Martin’s man was involved with almost everything happening for Tipperary.  Whether it was the free taking, one early score came from well inside his own half of the field, or from play, the Wexfordman was hard to stop.  John Kindregan also did well at wing back for Tipp, the veteran intervened to put a stop to ball played into to Offaly forward line. Tipp netted three times in the opening half, Jerry O’Neill at corner forward was dangerous and claimed two of the goals, Russell Quirke in the opposite corner the third.  Offaly kept at it however, and converted points from Niall Mannion frees, while Jack Dunphy and Emmet Moran battled hard in the back line.  Tipp were too strong however, and at the half it was Tipp holding the aces at a score of 3-11 to 0-5.

Harry O'Connor on the ball.

Early in the second half the Tipp men bagged another goal, this one from Dylan Hyland who had entered play as a sub.  The teams traded scores, however another goal came for Tipperary as they underlined their superiority.  Each side gave the subs a run early as the outcome was beyond doubt.  Offaly brought some respectability to the scoreboard with some converted frees.  Tipperary looking like a class above in their first 2 outings, but are sure to have a tougher time of it when they meet Galway next week.

Tipp:  Evan Condon, Darragh Fanning, Sean McGarr, Paul Morris, Kieran Bennett, John Kindregan, Simon Kennedy, Cronan Dempsey, Joe O’Connor, Joe Coleman, Harry O’Connor, Jerry O’Neill, Russell Quirke.

Offaly:  Gary Sherlock, Emmet Moran, Jack Dunphy, Jack Murray, Oisin McCormack, Conor Grimes, Donal O’Dwyer, Robert Croft, Brian Ramsey, Cillian Campbell, Chris McMahon, Niall Mannion, Stephen Brown.

By Rory O'Donnell

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