Offaly minor hurlers back on track with easy win in second tier competition

OFFALY minor hurlers had a comprehensive 19 point victory over Meath in the Peadar Ó Liathain Cup, played at Meath training centre in Dunganny on Saturday last. The venue was a late change as the pitch, for the original fixture, in Kildalkey was deemed unplayable. Offaly were forced to make one change to their starting line-up as dual player Patrick Duffy was ruled out with flu and was replaced by fellow dual player Darragh Stewart.

Leinster GAA Minor Hurling Peadar Ó Liathain Cup

Offaly 3-21

Meath 0-11

While conditions, with a cross field breeze, were quite good for the game, the pitch, while firm, was devoid of grass right down the middle. There was a nervous start to the game by Offaly, as they endeavoured to shake off the effects of the previous week’s loss to Westmeath. Early exchanges were even, with Offaly points from Joe Furey and Eddie Carty, cancelled by two Meath frees. However, a good Offaly move started by Harry O’Sullivan, saw James Kirwan transmit into the path of Keith O’Rourke who finished to the net with aplomb. Offaly moved up a gear from here and with Furey in scintillating form, he hit four first half points from play and was involved in most of Offaly’ scores, they began to put daylight between themselves and the home side. By half-time Offaly led by 1-9 to 0-8, but the game was by no means put to bed.

On the resumption an Eddie Carty goal inside 90 seconds, gave Brian Carroll the opportunity to substitute dual star Darragh Stewart. From there to the finish Offaly completely controlled the game, with the defence dominant, repelling Meath efforts with Lorcan Owens, Peter Fanning and Michael Kelly the dominant figures. Harry O’Sullivan controlled the mid-field area and hit two fine points. Eddie Carty added a second goal, and with O’Rourke, Screeney and Furey causing all sorts of problems for the Meath defence Offaly scored at will, while limiting Meath to three second half points. Offaly scored 3-14 of their total from play with five of the six forwards getting on the score sheet. Offaly management took the opportunity of giving game time to five more players, with substitute Mossy Dooley impressing with two points.

Offaly now have a two week break before they take on Kerry at home.

SEE NEXT: Offaly break two big barriers to pick up deserved point in Leinster SHC thriller

Scorers:

Offaly: Eddie Carty 2-2, Aaron Screeney 0-7 (0-5f, 0-1 65’), Joe Furey 0-5, Jack Collins 0-3 (0-1f), Keith O’Rourke 1-0, Harry O’Sullivan 0-2, Mossy Dooley 0-2

Meath: Kian McKeigue 0-4 (0-1f), Ben Healy 0-5 (0-4f), Darragh Wright 0-1, Andrew Doyle 0-1

Offaly: Adam Martin (Tullamore), Lorcan Owens (Birr), Peter Fanning (Gracefield, Philip Larkin (Coolderry), Michael Kelly (Birr), Barry Bennett (Birr), James Dooley (Drumcullen), Darragh Stewart (Tullamore), Harry O’Sullivan (Carrig & Riverstown), Eddie Carty (Birr), James Kirwan (Belmont), Jack Collins (Capt), Seir Kieran, Aaron Screeney (Kilcormac/Killoughey), Keith O’Rourke (Shamrocks), Joe Furey (Edenderry). Subs: Glenn Keaveney (Tullamore) for Stewart (33min), Mossy Dooley for Fanning inj (45min), Kieran Coughlan for O’Rourke (50min), Campbell Naughton for O’Rourke (50min), Sean Devery for Screeney (50min), Ryan Scully for O’Sullivan (Blood sub) 55min.

Meath: Callum McKeown, Patrick Guy, Fionn Ennis, Charlie McHugh, Eoghan O’Connor, Conor Heffernan, Charlie Fagan, Oisin Hughes, Darragh Wright, Cathal Flynn, Kian McKeigue, Rob Kelly, Ben Healy, Alex Cole, Andrew Doyle Subs: Lee Kearney for Hughes (H.T.), Brendan Curtis for E O’Connor (41min), Dylan Kealy for A Doyle (41min),

Ref: Patrick Phelan (Laois)