Sensational second half comeback sees Offaly progress to Peadar O’Laithin Final

OFFALY produced a remarkable second half comeback to book their place in the final of the Peadar O’Laithin after their 4-12 to 2-14 victory over Kildare in Kilcormac on Saturday. 

Peadar O’Laithin Leinster Minor Hurling Championship Semi Final

Offaly 4-12

Kildare 2-14

Down by 2-12 to 0-4 at the break after what was a tough opening 30 minutes, Brian Carroll’s side came through and responded with four second half strikes to turn a 14 point deficit into a four point victory. 

Things were looking worrying at half time, with Kildare winning all the dirty and high ball, winning rucks and being deadly accurate with their shooting. At the heart of that was Sean Higgins and Cuan Óg Macaogain, who were sensational with their shooting and movement in the opening 30 minutes. 

Aaron Moylan and Senan Nicholson also had big performances as they were driving their team forward and our first for every ball coming their way and Kildare were sitting pretty comfortable at the break with the final within their grasp. 

A big second half performance was needed from the Faithful in the second half, and things started to motor once the first goal went on from Aaron Screeney, before a second moments later set up Screeney for Joe Furey brought the game back to six points, and the game was well and truly on. 

Between the 40th and 50th minute, Offaly had turned the game around completely, with their tails up and the work rate kicked up a huge amount, and the introduction of substitutions like Mossy Dooley, Sean Devery and Patrick Duffy, Offaly found a new lease of life. 

Furey’s second goal was as soon followed up by another strike, this time from Liam Mulhare saw Offaly marching forward towards what was once an unlikely victory. 

Kildare will be disappointed with their output in the second, albeit playing against a strong breeze, their 0-2 return won’t be something they’ll be looking back on with any fondness. 

Late scores from Screeney and Sean Devery sealed the victory and thus booked Offaly into the final where they’ll be taking on Antrim for a chance to end the campaign with some silverware.   

MATCH ANALYSIS

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PLAYER OF THE MATCH

James Dooley (Drumcullen): Aaron Screeney had a very good second half, getting the opening goal for his side as well as setting up scores, with Joe Furey’s two goals coming at critical stages. Mossy Dooley was immense off the bench and sparked new life into the forwards, with Fiachra Carroll also putting in a huge second half display alongside Peter Fanning. 

James Dooley was the man who was standing up when things were tough during the opening 30 minutes and never let his side down and was out in front of his man for every ball and if it weren’t for his determination then Offaly’s comeback wouldn’t have been possible. 

For Kildare, a day with regrets, but they can take some big positives in the form of Cuan Óg Macaogain and Sean Higgins, who both showed great potential and have big futures ahead of them.  

THE SCORERS

Offaly: Aaron Screeney 1-6 (5frees), Joe Furey 2-1, Liam Mulhare 1-2, James Dooley, Mossy Dooley and Sean Devery 0-1 each .

Kildare: Cuan Óg Macaogain 1-8 (3frees, 1 65), Sean Higgins 1-2, Finnan O’Rourke, Michael Reilly, Elliot Dwyer (1free) and Patrick O’Brien 0-1 each.

THE TEAMS

Offaly: Adam Martin (Tullamore); Lorcan Owens (Birr), Peter Fanning (Gracefield), Philip Larkin (Coolderry); Fiachra Carroll (Kilcormac-Killoughey), Barry Bennett (Birr), James Dooley (Drumcullen); Michael Kelly (Birr), James Kirwan (Belmont); Harry O'Sullivan (Carrig-Riverstown); Edward Carty (Birr), Jack Collins (Seir Kieran); Aaron Screeney (Kilcormac-Killoughey), Liam Mulhare (St Rynagh's), Joe Furey (Edenderry). Subs- Patrick Duffy for Larkin (21m), Sean Devery for Kirwan (HT), Mossy Dooley for O’Sullivan (34m), Glenn Keaveney for Carty (40m) .

Kildare: Elliot Dwyer ; Conor Dunphy, Senan Nicholson, Jack King; Aodhan Dowling, Charlie Allen, Dara Lynch; Aaron Moylan, Finnan O’Rourke; Michael Reilly, Sean Higgins, Patrick O’Brien; Eoghan Lyons, Cuan Óg Mac Aogáin, Adam Conway. Subs– Senan Boran for King (52m), Adam Conway for O’Brien (56m).

Referee – Eoin Crossen.

REFEREE WATCH

The referee Eoin Crossen had a good game, gave cards when needed and got most calls spot on and had no factor in the result. 

MOMENT OF THE MATCH

The third goal of the game which really swung the momentum, with the build up to the goal the main reason for the score, as the hard work of Fiachra Carroll kept the ball in play, before the pass from Aaron Screeney found Joe Furey and the Edenderry man blasted the ball into the top corner. 

VENUE WATCH

Kilcormac was the host venue on a sunny Saturday , the pitch was in good condition and there were plenty of stewards on hand and refreshments on hand which was an added bonus to supporters enjoying the game.

WHAT'S NEXT

Offaly go forward into the final of the Peadar O’Laithin Cup against Antrim. 

STATISTICS

Wides: Offaly – 14 (3 in first half); Kildare – 8 (5 in first half).

Yellow cards: Offaly - (1) Aaron Screeney

Kildare – (3) Oisin McAffee, Eoghan Lyons, Conor Dunphy

Red cards: Offaly – (0); Kildare – (0)