Offaly Under 20s hurling 2024

[ryot]

CONGRATULATIONS to all involved in this fantastic win======= The way they drove on after any setback was brilliant and the Kelly point at the end, swarming Tipp lads to win the sliotar and tearing up the field, with support on both sides, all racing away from the opposition and firing the nail to Tipp was only fantastc..

All were brilliant, Brecon neat tidy winning all sorts of dirty balls, the 2 lads in the middle working like Trojans, Rigney going to the clouds, Adam slotting frees from all sorts of distances and The Captain, cool, taking his points and then racing away leaving defers trailing and smashing in the killer goal------- and 10 of those starting there again next year---- Dreamland ++++++

[Buttons]

A huge congrats to the players, current and previous managers both club, school and county for this special bunch of lads. To finally get over the line with such a crowd cheering on was unreal, the character shown when tipp kept coming back but Offaly went an extra step each go. From a population wise we are the envy of most of the country.

Let’s hope a big crowd goes to the home coming and then the Joe Mcdonagh final next weekend. On a separate note wouldn’t an u20 vs senior challenge game in OCP with a small admission fee to raise funds for the county board be an idea. This could be in clearing the OCP debt or bringing the u20 on the holiday with the seniors. I think Croke park gave 60k to Joe Mcdonagh runners up last year so could be a good team building exercise.

[Anonymous1]

Watched the game back just now and isn’t it great to have won fair and square. No controversies, no red card that should’ve been, no goal not given etc etc

We started decent hitting the first two points then Tipp hit 1-3 of the next 1-4 and we looked in a bit of trouble but in the ten minutes before halftime we hit 9 of the next 11 points and never looked back, that was the period we won the game similar to how we did vs Dublin.

The 30 seconds where we score a goal and look to have sealed the deal but Tipp go straight up the other end and get one back was exhilarating and nerve wrecking in equal measure.

5 points up with 5 minutes to go against the same opposition and in the same ground as 2022 and I think we all feared the worst but we’ve clearly learned from 2022 and the management cleverly bled the clock with subs.

We had all said that we needed more from the forwards outside of Screeney, Bourke and Rigney and boy did Egan deliver.

I also thought Spain and King got through a mountain of work in midfield and will be sorely missed next year.

But that’s the great thing about winning this year is that we know we have another very strong chance next year and the pressure is now off.

10 of yesterdays starting 15 are back again next year and when you add in the likes of Ravenhill, Hand and Martin we’ll be very hard stopped.

It would’ve been a crying shame for some of those players to finish their underage careers with no All Ireland medal, they were by far best team this year. Aside from the KK game where we rode our luck at times we were the best team by a distance in every other game.

Hopefully we kick on next week and get back up to the Liam McCarthy.

It may have just been me but I did think the celebrations afterwards were a little bit subdued when compared even to the Kilkenny game. It was as if most people were expecting us to win today whereas we were viewed as the underdogs against Kilkenny.

Similarly despite having 4x the fans as Tipp, they seemed to make as much noise as us at times. Maybe I’m nit picking but just thought it was worth pointing out.

[JohnnyBoy24]

There was definitely expectation I think, not delusional more so , it's kinda now or never and have every faith in them.

You can't but be very hopeful for the future.

[JimBwobb]

Jesus I wish I could bottle that state of raw emotion In the last couple of minutes and full time and replay it whenever I want

So proud of these men, never did I think in my lifetime would we be contesting All Ireland titles,albeit underage it bodes massively for the future.

I've watched the game back the goosebumps are amazing, what a scene, atmosphere was crazy, what a team!!!!

[Plain of the Herbs]

Saturday’s win will mean different things to different people. But for me:

It takes a lot of pressure off. Offaly entered 1994’s All-Ireland Senior final on the back of losing three All-Ireland U21 finals and Birr losing a club All-Ireland. That added huge pressure and probably contributed to the underperformance on the day. That weight won’t hand over this group now.

Momentum going into this Saturday’s Joe McDonagh final. Last year the JMcD and U20 finals were played in reverse order. I believe the JMcD defeat hampered momentum going into the U20 final. Sam Bourke in particular had a fine Leinster U20 final, deserved his call up to the Senior team, didn’t have a good day (no more than anyone else), and never got going in the U20 All-Ireland (no more than anyone else). That won’t be a factor this year.

Beating THEM in a final. Going on the Tipperary discussion forum, the reaction towards Offaly seems to be reasonable. In fairness, they’ve enough problems of their own, Fintan O’Connor’s ‘total hurling’ (remember St Rynagh’s beating Birr in 2017’s SHC quarter-final when the Saints came from behind to win with three points from the full-back line) let them down. If anything, it’s the Corkies that are begrudging.

(It's only crossed my mind that Hughie Hannon and Fintan O’Connor coached St Rynagh’s together that 2017 evening.)

What an occasion in Kilkenny. The streets were buzzing. I’m not going to complain about bandwaggoners, feckitt it was great to have them when the energy appeared to be flagging between the 45th and 55th minutes approx. I really hope they all call again soon. Offaly jerseys look best in brilliant sunshine.

Shout out to the lady in the old stand wearing the 1985-1990 jersey.

To Leo, who brought it all together. I don’t know the man, only to nod in his direction, but he has facilitated this revival through his teambuilding (of players and management) and of setting standards that the players continue to drive and emulate. What an inspired choice in late 2019 when an experienced hurling coach was sought for the Minors.

There may have been a perception that Offaly had a major reliance on Adam. That theory was blown on Saturday when so many others contributed so much to the cause. And those people forget that Offaly beat Dublin last year without Adam and Brecon.

How many other counties could have come from where Offaly have, to contest and then to win, An All-Ireland hurling final? Certainly no other Joe McDonagh ranked county.

In eight days, Wexford and Galway beat Cork and Waterford respectively in Minor hurling, while Offaly beat Tipperary in U20 hurling. A sample size of only three, but you get the drift.

Be great to keep the momentum up and win promotion back to the Leinster championship. It’ll come, if not this year it’ll be next year, but be great to do it as soon as possible.

[Glendassaun]

Brilliant summary Pat, very well said.

Saturday was the culmination of five years of work on the behalf of Leo and the management team and as a county we are indebted to him for what he has done for Offaly hurling. The entire management team deserve immense credit, as it’s evident just how far this team have come in the space of 12 months.

Psychologically this victory means so much and is a further testament to this team. Having lost heartbreakingly in 2022, having lost questionably in 2023 and even having lost to this side in a Toby Forristal Final way back when, pressure had to be high on the lads within the group. To deliver your best performance in a final and to banish any doubt that may have existed is huge going forward.

Every player played a crucial role in Saturdays victory and as a side we aren’t dependent now and any one player. A special mention to the full back line who shacked a much lauded Tipperary full forward line. The half back line at times dominated under breaking ball and pushed forward so often. Our midfield is our heartbeat and by God ours is beating strong.

The half forward line put in some shift between them. Dan was outstanding and gave immense leadership. After the silky skills of Kilkenny and Dublin Shane worked his socks off to win dirty ball and numerous freed as his pace caused havoc. Doyler reserved his best hurling for an All Ireland final and won a mountain of dirty ball also.

Leigh is another work horse who’ll have a big impact back in the Offaly midfield next year. His free winning, pressure and the flick to set up Dan for his goal was critical. Barry Egan was sublime. A real flare player when he’s on song he’s unplayable. His goal was a throwback to the great side of the 90’s, John Troyesque! And Adam, need we say more? The pressure on every free, his tenacity in the tackle, moments of utter genius and leadership. An icon already.

It sets up next weekend beautifully and will undoubtedly give a boost to the seniors, not to mention the young guys going back in with the seniors can throw off the shackles and express themselves. I believe the wide open spaces of Croke Park will only serve to suit our young lads in particular. Let’s hope we look back at this seven days as one of the greatest in Offaly hurling history.

The core nucleolus of this team, which now stretches over a three year period, backboned by some of the guys in the 22-25 bracket, along with some real gems coming behind the current U20 team will be the group to get us on the road to the promised land. I’ve wondered about this over the past couple of years, at times it felt like perhaps this was still a dream. But now, we can all see that this is reality and we can in between 3-5 years compete in Leinster and All Ireland finals once again.

There’s a long road ahead and patience tempered with an unfading ambition is what’s required. With Leo and Co at the helm I’ve no doubt this is within our grasp.

[private joker]

Excellent win for u20s and it really wasn't in any doubt for long periods of the match. Huge crowds which I hope will travel to croke park at the weekend.

I would be less optimistic about offaly contesting leinster and all irelands at senior level. Its incredibly difficult. You need all players to keep progressing, you need most if not all to stay in the country. Neither are likely to happen. Its just the way it goes. I think if offaly can get to liam mcarthy and stay there that would be a start. I think offaly could do what westmeath did and stay there for a number of years. This is one excellent team, but it appears to be just that. I don't think there is a conveyor belt of top players coming through and underage is very different from senior. Maybe contest a leinster semi final would be a good progression in the next 3-4 years. Whatever happens it will be interesting to track this teams progress in the next 5 years.

[Glendassaun]

Excellent win for u20s and it really wasn't in any doubt for long periods of the match. Huge crowds which I hope will travel to croke park at the weekend.

I would be less optimistic about offaly contesting leinster and all irelands at senior level. Its incredibly difficult. You need all players to keep progressing, you need most if not all to stay in the country. Neither are likely to happen. Its just the way it goes. I think if offaly can get to liam mcarthy and stay there that would be a start. I think offaly could do what westmeath did and stay there for a number of years. This is one excellent team, but it appears to be just that. I don't think there is a conveyor belt of top players coming through and underage is very different from senior. Maybe contest a leinster semi final would be a good progression in the next 3-4 years. Whatever happens it will be interesting to track this teams progress in the next 5 years.

There’s no reason why this team won’t stick together and progress to the level required to contest Leinster Finals and reach an All Ireland Final.

Wexford won three Leinster U21 titles from 2013-2015, and went on to win the Leinster Championship in 2019, with limited players emerging from outside of that core nucleus.

Similarly our own U21’s from 89-92 won three provincial titles and backbones the 94 and 98 All Ireland winning sides. There’s no reason why this couldn’t be replicated once again.

There are numerous talented players in the years just below this current U20 side, who with the same exposure to top class training and competition can make the step to join this side at senior.

Also, there are generational talents on this U20 side which serve to inspire those around them, set standards and begin a process of improvement amongst players of a similar vintage.

I firmly believe that if this team sticks together, we strengthen the overall panel of players with a few more guys from just above and below, that this forecast group will win a Leinster in the next five years.

[faithfulfanatic]

Having watched the game back on TG4 player this morning, it seems there was no touch from Barry Egan or elsewhere as Rigney’s long ball came in.
The goalie completely misjudged it and it bounced into the net.

[FerbaneInsider]

Having watched the game back on TG4 player this morning, it seems there was no touch from Barry Egan or elsewhere as Rigney’s long ball came in.
The goalie completely misjudged it and it bounced into the net.

Agreed, it probably should be credited to Rigney and not Egan.

[FerbaneInsider]

Excellent win for u20s and it really wasn't in any doubt for long periods of the match. Huge crowds which I hope will travel to croke park at the weekend.

I would be less optimistic about offaly contesting leinster and all irelands at senior level. Its incredibly difficult. You need all players to keep progressing, you need most if not all to stay in the country. Neither are likely to happen. Its just the way it goes. I think if offaly can get to liam mcarthy and stay there that would be a start. I think offaly could do what westmeath did and stay there for a number of years. This is one excellent team, but it appears to be just that. I don't think there is a conveyor belt of top players coming through and underage is very different from senior. Maybe contest a leinster semi final would be a good progression in the next 3-4 years. Whatever happens it will be interesting to track this teams progress in the next 5 years.

It’s not just one team though is it? Between the 2023, 2024 and 2025 U20s there are at least 25 different lads who have seen and will see significant game time.

It’s a totally different scenario to the one hit wonder of the 2021 U20 footballers who never came anywhere close to replicating their success in subsequent years.

[biffinbanner]

id agree 100% with privatejoker. the step up from under age to senior is massive. and not many can make it. look at our u20 all ireland winning footballers. the magnificent joe mc final last year was a prime example of standards . a week later look what happened both teams. baby steps . get into leinster and try and stay there for a few years. we would really need a few more competitve u20 groups coming after these lads.. talk of getting to all ireland finals is fanciful at the moment(but obviously a lovely thought at the same time).

[Wing Back]

The dust has settled and I'm Still a bit worse for wear after Saturday night. Already looking forward to next weeks game.

I'm not sure Nowlan park has seen an atmosphere like that in manys a year, if ever. It was simply incredible. Our support really willed the team on. When our boys were bearing down on goal I could literally hear and feel the air being sucked out of the stadium as people gasped in anticipation of a goal, a save or a last ditch tackle.

And while I was quite critical in the lead up to the match regarding the state of the pitch (which I still maintain was unacceptable for an all Ireland final), Nowlan Park was a superb venue and really created a cauldron atmosphere with every available vantage point packed to the rafters. They're stewarding was top class, ample support services and a very carnival like atmosphere entering the ground with the fantastic summers evening. So well done to them for that.

To the Tipperary fans, I have to tip my hat also. I know it can be testy at times. I was actually in a section which had a fair number of Tipperary fans, and I have to say they were very gracious in defeat. There was no hard luck excuses or "what ifs" offered, they shook our hand after and said "well done, go and enjoy that one, ye deserved it". Although outnumbered 5 to 1, when the penalty was scored, it felt like there was a lot more I thought, and fair play to them for really making their presence felt and driving on their boys.

But to our special team............ point after point, superlative after superlative, its never ending with these guys. These lads are afraid of nobody......And I absolutely love that about them.

Each game, different lads have stepped up to drive the show on. Hoare was unbelievably assured I felt. Safe hands, knew what he was doing with each Puck out, and very nearly saved the penalty I seen on replays since the game ended.

Conor Doyle and Barry Egan really stepped up when it really counted I thought. Although Doyle didn't get a score, he set up lots and won easy frees. His runs through the middle were exhilarating. Barry Egan really came good, getting 2 excellent points from impossible positions.....and then the goal (I'm crediting him with it, regardless of weather he touched it or not). I could see he was frustrated coming off, but it just shows his passion, he wanted to be out there doing it for Offaly.

Our backs are just unbelievable.....They are so cool in possession and so stylish in their delivery of ball to the forwards. Kelly getting a point yesterday capped it off, where a backs man seems to chip in with points from deep in every game.

Although not as prolific on the scoreboard as other matches, Rigney gave his man a roasting winning any amount of ball and really gave us a strong platform in the half forward line to build attacks from. His fielding is something I just stand back and admire.

I don't need to mention young Screeney, he does things that other can't imagine. If his shot at goal had of gone in, I fear the roof might have actually lifted off the new stand where I was sitting.

Dan Bourke....This guy is something else. He took his goal exceptionally well after great work by young Kavanagh. Bourke is a super silky hurler.....his shimmys/side steps are effortless and shoots points for fun. He has been exceptional in every game in my opinion. He's my hurler of the year for us anyway.

Spain and King were excellent again, and were completely dominant in the centre of the field. Tipperary could never get any foothold in this area I felt. I don't know how Spain does it, but he seems to come out of every ruck/scramble with the ball.

But it was just something to behold afterwards.......... an outpouring of emotion. There are some great photos of the supporters filling the entire field for the presentation. I am Supremely proud of where I come from...........But I was even prouder on Saturday evening standing on the grass in Nowlan Park.

When I was younger I grew up in the 90s with big hurling days for Offaly a regular occurrence. Trips to Croke Park for Leinster Finals, All Ireland Finals and great occasions were the norm. I thought it would just happen forever. But as we all discovered these things just don't happen on their own and can slip away very quickly.

What has happened with the minors and u20 groups over the last few years has made us believe again and reminded us of something that many may have forgotten what a massive experience occasions like Saturday evening are when your county is involved. I took it for granted in the 90s when I was small.....I almost forgot what it was like until these guys came along, I'll never want to take it for granted again.

Thank you to the players, the team management, the County Board, but also the supporters.....I love you all for your part in what was an incredible evening.

We can dream again. Next stop on this rollercoaster .......Joe McDonagh final.

[JohnnyBoy24]

Meanwhile on cork forum some takes here , aside from them being better then tipp or Offaly apparently at u20, they're superior education wise