Offaly supporters are daring to dream again.
Ahead of a huge All-Ireland Senior Hurling Championship quarter-final clash in June against the runners-up of this year’s Munster final, excitement is building across the Faithful County as Offaly prepare for one of their biggest championship matches in more than two decades.
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The occasion marks a significant milestone in Offaly’s remarkable resurgence, with the county reaching the latter stages of the Liam McCarthy race for the first time since 2003.
In 2003, Offaly battled Tipperary in an All-Ireland quarter-final during an era when counties like Kilkenny and Cork dominated the championship landscape.
Now, 23 years later, a new generation of Offaly hurlers has reignited belief throughout the county.
Managed by Johnny Kelly, and inspired by emerging stars including Brian Duignan, Adam Screeney and Liam Hoare, Offaly have captured the imagination of supporters after impressive performances throughout the championship campaign.
With another massive test looming against either Cork or Limerick, we are taking a look back through our gallery at the last time Offaly stood on the brink of an All-Ireland semi-final in 2003.
Scroll through the photos below to see familiar faces, unforgettable moments and a reminder of how long supporters have waited for another day like this.
1. 27 July 2003; Tipperary Manager Michael Doyle during the Guinness All-Ireland Senior Hurling Championship Quarter Final match between Offaly and Tipperary at Croke Park in Dublin.
Photo by Pat Murphy / Sportsfile
2. 27 July 2003; Gary Hannify of Offaly prior to the Guinness All-Ireland Senior Hurling Championship Quarter Final match between Offaly and Tipperary at Croke Park in Dublin. Photo by Pat Murphy / Sportsfile
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3. 27 July 2003; Eoin Kelly of Tipperary during the Guinness All-Ireland Senior Hurling Championship Quarter Final match between Offaly and Tipperary at Croke Park in Dublin. Photo by Pat Murphy / Sportsfile
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4. 27 July 2003; Brian Whelahan of Offaly is interviewed by RTE after his side's defeat in the Guinness All-Ireland Senior Hurling Championship Quarter Final match between Offaly and Tipperary at Croke Park in Dublin. Photo by Pat Murphy / Sportsfile
SPORTSFILE