Offaly Senior Hurlers 2025

[private joker]

Hard to know what way this game will go. Dublin more battle hardened at this level. Offaly need to win this or have to wait to beat antrim.
Dublin have some serious hurlers and to put them in a box of just strength and physically stronger does them a disservice.
Offaly will need to get to the pitch of the game a lot quicker than vs Waterford or it will be a long evening for them.
Dublin by 5 plus points. Hopefully it's a good game.

[oneshot]

the one thing they can't do is stand off dublin like they did again waterford have to hit the ground running if we are to get the win. looking at Dublins fullback line theres goals to be got there. plus Johnny Kelly will have to make subs a lot faster saturday evening and not let the game get away from us. if offalys forward clicks offaly bye 4.

[Géill Slí]

Will the wet weather suit us or Dublin tomorrow?

Should favour the more skillful team, which is us! Remember the 95 Leinster Final?

I think was the fact that we were all Ireland champions and totally written off by everyone had the biggest motivating factor then. Great performance though alright.

Well, yes, but I remember in particular that day the drop pucs from Offaly, rarely seen, but beautifully delivered. And the wonderful goal by Pat O Connor at the end. Wet conditions favour the skillful team.

[Glendassaun]

Hard to believe the day’s finally here. After 7 years in the wilderness we’re back in the Leinster championship.

Conditions will have a big impact on today’s game. As a short passing expansive side I don’t think wet heavier conditions will be welcomed by Dublin.

Experience of Leinster championship hurling certainly favours Dublin, but looking at our starting team, we have a side more than capable of winning today.

As said by previous commenters, we have to hit the ground running today. The Waterford game will certainly stand to us as well, in more ways than one.

Enjoy the day and the journey yo everyone! Hoping to see another big Offaly crowd taking the capital by storm! Here’s hoping for a memorable day out!

Offaly by 2 with a late flurry!

[faithfulfanatic]

Any idea of if many are going? Any buses or groups on the train?

Few pubs there in Killester a 10 min walk from the ground for a bit of grub and a few pints and to watch Kilkenny Galway at 3:45.

[Bord na Mona man]

Some folks might be over estimating how much any real, or imagined skill difference will be a factor.
This contest isn't being played against the wall of a handball alley. And bear in mind that Offaly plummeted down the tiers with many lovely, skilful hurlers in our ranks.

Being able to catch high ball, win dirty ball on the deck, take hits, offload in contact, move into good supporting and not turnover the ball are all skills that might not be eye catching, but are vitally important.

If Dublin complacency was a factor in Croke Park, it's not going to be a feature today.
The venue is also boost to Dublin. Parnell Park is barely meets the 80 metres minimum width for a GAA pitch. Add to the that, the sidelines are quite close to the boundary walls. That tightness amplifies Dublin's physical advantage and makes it harder Offaly to play a more expansive game.

Offaly can win this of course, but it would require a step up again from the league showings.

[Bord na Mona man]

Any idea of if many are going? Any buses or groups on the train?

Few pubs there in Killester a 10 min walk from the ground for a bit of grub and a few pints and to watch Kilkenny Galway at 3:45.

Just watch out that the Darts aren't running today. There is a bus transfer, but it may take more time.

The Beachcomber in Killester does a good prawn pil-pil starter, striploin main and I'd recommend the patatas bravas side.

[faithfulfanatic]

Any idea of if many are going? Any buses or groups on the train?

Few pubs there in Killester a 10 min walk from the ground for a bit of grub and a few pints and to watch Kilkenny Galway at 3:45.

Just watch out that the Darts aren't running today. There is a bus transfer, but it may take more time.

The Beachcomber in Killester does a good prawn pil-pil starter, striploin main and I'd recommend the patatas bravas side.

A bit of a more seasoned palette than myself, the striploin main and a pint of plain will do

[frankthetank]

Any idea of if many are going? Any buses or groups on the train?

Few pubs there in Killester a 10 min walk from the ground for a bit of grub and a few pints and to watch Kilkenny Galway at 3:45.

Very small Offaly crowd going from anecdotal evidence. Enquired about a bus from my club but interest levels weren’t there.

Very few people going that I asked and this includes supporters I would classify as diehards.

I’ll be there myself though but will skip the pre game drinks as to be fully aware of local pickpocketers, drug dealers and Roma Gypsies!!!!

[SearingDrive]

Any idea of if many are going? Any buses or groups on the train?

Few pubs there in Killester a 10 min walk from the ground for a bit of grub and a few pints and to watch Kilkenny Galway at 3:45.

Very small Offaly crowd going from anecdotal evidence. Enquired about a bus from my club but interest levels weren’t there.

Very few people going that I asked and this includes supporters I would classify as diehards.

I’ll be there myself though but will skip the pre game drinks as to be fully aware of local pickpocketers, drug dealers and Roma Gypsies!!!!

‘Gypsies, Tramps, and Thieves’

[G91]

About 5 on the train heading for the game , I tried to organise a bus nobody would even message back

It is what it is I’ve said it before if it was Leinster semi final there be a scramble for tickets

[Wing Back]

Rain has stopped here in Dublin. Anyone thinking of coming still has time to jump in the car.

Watching the 1st exchanges between kk abd galway....looks extremely tricky conditions. Short passing game might not be ideal.

Could be an ugly watch in Parnell Park....but that might suit us.

Best of luck to all. Can't wait for this.

Esto Fidelis

[G91]

Absolute shutter couldn’t hold on to anything

[Thomas mc]

Tradition aside, and the disappointment of losing when we led for most of the game.. its quite an achievement to come from winning the Christy Ring 4 years ago to leaving Parnell Park disappointed with a 3 point defeat to last years leinster finalists. Offaly hurling has come a long way regardless of the result tonight. Easy pick holes and mistakes in the performance tonight but some context is good considering where we've been competing.. Seemed to be a lot of doubts about whether we could compete in leinster or would we just be clinging for survival, we may very well end up "just surviving" this year but I've no doubt the players on this team see things differently and had and still have eyes on more than just that.. Galway are a mess and it's a great time to get them in O Connor park next week, no reason we can't compete and fancy a proper go at them and we certainly won't be there to make up the numbers as was previously suggested.

[Géill Slí]

Tradition aside, and the disappointment of losing when we led for most of the game.. its quite an achievement to come from winning the Christy Ring 4 years ago to leaving Parnell Park disappointed with a 3 point defeat to last years leinster finalists. Offaly hurling has come a long way regardless of the result tonight. Easy pick holes and mistakes in the performance tonight but some context is good considering where we've been competing.. Seemed to be a lot of doubts about whether we could compete in leinster or would we just be clinging for survival, we may very well end up "just surviving" this year but I've no doubt the players on this team see things differently and had and still have eyes on more than just that.. Galway are a mess and it's a great time to get them in O Connor park next week, no reason we can't compete and fancy a proper go at them and we certainly won't be there to make up the numbers as was previously suggested.

Well said. The trajectory is still in the right direction. Galway and Wexford should be within reach still. And the Antrim game still crucial.