Goal blitz fires Offaly to glory

THREE second-half goals, two from flying wing-forward Christine Cleary, helped Offaly eventually overcame a dogged Carlow side in the Leinster Minor B Final in St Brendan’s Park on Saturday.

Offaly 4-12

Carlow 3-9

Offaly lead by inspirational captain Orlaigh Kirwan were the stronger side on the day but they struggled to shake off a determined Carlow who just about managed to hang in there throughout the game.

With the advantage of the slight wind, Offaly could have been much further than five points ahead at the break but they wasted a number of glorious goalscoring opportunities in the first 30 minutes that could have put the game away.

Carlow came right back into it early in the second-half with a goal but Offaly quickly re-established their lead with a goal of their own and after that they held at least a five point lead for the remainder of the game.

As well as claiming the B title, Offaly now go on to the Leinster A Championship alongside Dublin, Kilkenny and Wexford and competing against the best in the province can only help the development of this talented young side.

See this week’s Offaly Express for full report and extensive photographic coverage