Missing the dual players as it was a hurling weekend and they had a challenge match. You would think that the dual players would be released to play the league game and miss the hurling challenge.
Wouldn’t read too much into that result against Cork considering who was missing.
del wrote: ↑Sat Feb 07, 2026 7:16 pm
Missing the dual players as it was a hurling weekend and they had a challenge match. You would think that the dual players would be released to play the league game and miss the hurling challenge.
Wouldn’t read too much into that result against Cork considering who was missing.
Yes and 2 of them been Patrick Duffy and Darragh Stewart 2 of the teams best players. Who were on the team last year so I’m sure they would make a huge difference to a result like that. Which was the point I’m making not to read too much into the result
If the minors were well beaten, you might put it down as a one-off, but you’d have to be concerned about the manner of the defeat. They were only missing three players all strong players, admittedly but still, only three. You’d imagine Cork were well short of full strength themselves, given the size of the county and the fact that they’re probably still trying to settle on their best selection.
There is a level of expectation around Offaly minor footballers this year after last season, and more broadly there have been a lot of positive stories about underage structures in the county. However, I do feel that beneath the surface those stories may not tell the full picture. We could be heading into a few difficult years. That might sound pessimistic,
For Offaly to succeed as a county, we need to have our best players available and playing. We also need to be better at managing the crossover with other sports whether that’s rugby, soccer or athletics or something else. We should be opening our doors to every talented player, rather than turning lads away over attendance issues, discipline, or similar concerns. I understand standards are important, and there’s a fine balance there standards absolutely matter but they need to exist alongside an open, supportive and caring environment where we maximise all of our resources.
At the moment, I worry that we may be failing in that regard at underage level. I could be wrong this is just an external view but it doesn’t feel like we’re fully harnessing the talent available. I know there’s a committe that oversees offaly underage involving people who have been deeply involved in Offaly GAA coaching, administration and all round Gaa stuff for many years. I’m sure they’re well meaning and committed. Still, it would be encouraging to see a more open and flexible environment, particularly given how many talented players in the county are involved in other sports.
Ideally, the message should be that the doors are open ..within reason , while still maintaining standards. I don’t pretend to have the perfect solution, and maybe I’m highlighting problems without offering clear answers. But I do believe that if Offaly is to progress, we need everyone pulling in the same direction.
Last year’s minors did very well, and I believe a couple of players were brought in who hadn’t been on development squads previously though I could be mistaken on that. If that’s the case, it only reinforces the point: there’s talent out there, and we need to be willing to find it, welcome it, and support it
Good to see Coláiste Naomh Cormac into the All-Ireland Final. A great achievement for a small school. All the moreso with two of their better players attending school elsewhere.
Pat Donegan. Signed out of respect for players and all involved with Offaly.
"Offaly's hurling is exact and abrasive: full of assurance on the ball, devoid of fumbling and slicing and sod-busting". Kevin Cashman RIP (September 1994).
