What a difference a year makes! At this stage of the League last year, Offaly were unbeaten, having drawn with Cork and beaten Wexford in Birr. The team had a settled look about it, with fourteen hurlers having started each match.
We knew this year would be difficult what with the venues reversed thus having to travel to Cork and Wexford. What we didn’t bargain for was a number of injuries to men who were hurling well. To date, 24 of a panel of 27 have seen league action, while Ray Murray hurled in goal in the Walsh Cup. Only Brendan O’Meara and Alan Middleton have remained rooted to the bench throughout. The good news however is that the team have battled gamely in the two difficult away matches which gives hope that some day they will be favoured by good fortune.
In addition, other results haven’t gone Offaly’s way. We would have preferred Clare to beat Wexford, but with Wexford taking both points from Ennis, we would then have preferred Waterford to do the same to Clare last Sunday. Given other results, even winning their two remaining matches might not be enough to save Offaly from 5th place, and a relegation play-off. However, only one Offaly win would need to be accompanied by Cork losing to both Wexford and Clare. The way other results have conspired against Offaly so far, this isn’t likely!
At least the weather is promised fine for Sunday, the pitch will have a chance to dry out somewhat following recent heavy rainfall, and there won’t be a gale making two halves of the match.
Obviously, Joseph Bergin’s presence up front is vital to Offaly’s hopes of creating an upset. Clare look to have turned a corner and did a very good job of denying Waterford any kind of space then they (Waterford) were wind assisted in the first half. Jonathan Clancy was prominent in covering back, winning ball and setting up his forwards. The full back and centre back have also settled in well, while Brennan in goal seems to have got over his early-season difficulties. Size-wise, they’re very big, Bugler is tall and rangy, while Nugent is also imposing.
Still, if Offaly can reproduce the battling 70-minute performances they’ve had so far, they give themselves a chance of being in with a shout as the match enters the final straight.
HEAD TO HEAD.
Previous league meetings: 30. Offaly won 6, Clare 22. 2 have been drawn.
Previous league meetings at St. Brendan’s Park: 13. Clare 7 wins; Offaly 4 with the two draws taking place in Birr.
Offaly:
Biggest score:- 21 points scoring 2-15 beating Clare 2-15 to 2-6 in Ennis on 25/10/81.
Biggest winning margin:- 9 points, in the above match.
Clare:
Biggest score:- 36 points scoring 8-12, winning 8-12 to 0-2 in Ennis on 28/10/62.
Biggest winning margin:- 34 points, , in the above match.
FORMGUIDE
Clare:
Round 1. Clare 3-25 Down 1-13
Round 2. Wexford 1-12 Clare 1-10 (Ennis).
Round 3. Clare 1-13 Waterford 0-9 (Ennis)
Offaly:
Round 1. Cork 1-21 Offaly 1-14 (Cork)
Round 2. Offaly 4-18 Down 1-11 (Birr).
Round 3. Wexford 1-16 Offaly 1-11 (Wexford)
Last Year: Clare 2-22 Offaly 2-14 at Ennis 26/3/06.
Last time at Birr: Offaly 2-14 Clare 2-12 (2/4/2000).[/b]
Offaly v Clare, NHL 25/3/07
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Plain of the Herbs
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Lone Shark
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I'll take my post from the other thread, just to amalgamate them...
So it appears I've finally wangled a Sunday off - blessed be and all that - so will get to make the elongated trip to Birr via Tullamore.
As was covered in the relegation thread, right now we're long odds on to face the drop next year, it's hard to see us having any chance of saving ourselves unless we're at least good enough to win this game. Having said that, that miserable wet Summer evening in Ennis last summer is still very fresh in the memory - it's hard to know how we can turn around an unmerciful hammering like that into a win only a few months later.
Still, hope springs eternal, so we'll try and see how it might be done....
From the back, trying to curtail the Clare aerial power will be the first step - even in the absence of Griffin, they still have a lot of big lads like Nugent, Carmody and Clancy, and I don't even know anything about this Gaffney fella that got 1-4 the last day either. Personally with this in mind, I'd like to see our midfielders playing as extra half backs. The Clare midfield so far this league campaign has seen a good few bodies in there, but it's largely based on athleticism and lads that can run at defences rather than fellas who would be picked for their delivery or ability to score from range. I wouldn't like to see us with Teehan or Hoctor haring after them having given up a five yard head start - I'd much prefer to see us holding a line at least 50 metres out.
In terms of us scoring, I certainly imagine the profligacy of the last day can't be repeated. Alan Markham has mastered this "sweeper" role, to the point that it's difficult to see us winning any ball in the full forward line unless it's targetted and well measured - aimless clearances from the half backs will not cut it. I'd prefer to see us maybe dropping the puckouts a bit short, and having a cut from 60 yards out - force the likes of Plunkett and Quinn to come away from their goal if they want to get involved. These boys are used to hardy Munster hurling, we're just not going to be able to rattle them physically - it's much more important that we try to get back to old school Offaly hurling - hurl the ball to exactly where it needs to go, no further.
The status of Joe Bergin is obviously crucial - it's ridiculous how dependent we've become on a 19 year old - but having said that, it's a day when the role of a player like Barry Teehan at midfield becomes crucial. I've been very undecided on whether or not he's worthy of a start up to now, but he really has to control the game from the middle - delivery the right ball, and chip in with a couple of points himself. Brendan Murphy beside him likewise, though my gut feeling is that he might end up getting picked further forward. Likewise if Rory plays centre forward, I'd like to see him really being the fulcrum of the attack - control everything, and hit the target when the chance arises. Just sitting on the 50 and competing with Plunkett for puckouts just won't cut it.
Finally, interesting you mention Alan Middleton - this is the kind of game that I'd like to see him involved in. I know he hasn't cut a dominant figure in club matches, but if he's worth a slot on the panel, he's worth at least one chance somewhere. This might be that game where his reading of the game could be very helpful.
Hard to be optimistic, but we live in hope.
So it appears I've finally wangled a Sunday off - blessed be and all that - so will get to make the elongated trip to Birr via Tullamore.
As was covered in the relegation thread, right now we're long odds on to face the drop next year, it's hard to see us having any chance of saving ourselves unless we're at least good enough to win this game. Having said that, that miserable wet Summer evening in Ennis last summer is still very fresh in the memory - it's hard to know how we can turn around an unmerciful hammering like that into a win only a few months later.
Still, hope springs eternal, so we'll try and see how it might be done....
From the back, trying to curtail the Clare aerial power will be the first step - even in the absence of Griffin, they still have a lot of big lads like Nugent, Carmody and Clancy, and I don't even know anything about this Gaffney fella that got 1-4 the last day either. Personally with this in mind, I'd like to see our midfielders playing as extra half backs. The Clare midfield so far this league campaign has seen a good few bodies in there, but it's largely based on athleticism and lads that can run at defences rather than fellas who would be picked for their delivery or ability to score from range. I wouldn't like to see us with Teehan or Hoctor haring after them having given up a five yard head start - I'd much prefer to see us holding a line at least 50 metres out.
In terms of us scoring, I certainly imagine the profligacy of the last day can't be repeated. Alan Markham has mastered this "sweeper" role, to the point that it's difficult to see us winning any ball in the full forward line unless it's targetted and well measured - aimless clearances from the half backs will not cut it. I'd prefer to see us maybe dropping the puckouts a bit short, and having a cut from 60 yards out - force the likes of Plunkett and Quinn to come away from their goal if they want to get involved. These boys are used to hardy Munster hurling, we're just not going to be able to rattle them physically - it's much more important that we try to get back to old school Offaly hurling - hurl the ball to exactly where it needs to go, no further.
The status of Joe Bergin is obviously crucial - it's ridiculous how dependent we've become on a 19 year old - but having said that, it's a day when the role of a player like Barry Teehan at midfield becomes crucial. I've been very undecided on whether or not he's worthy of a start up to now, but he really has to control the game from the middle - delivery the right ball, and chip in with a couple of points himself. Brendan Murphy beside him likewise, though my gut feeling is that he might end up getting picked further forward. Likewise if Rory plays centre forward, I'd like to see him really being the fulcrum of the attack - control everything, and hit the target when the chance arises. Just sitting on the 50 and competing with Plunkett for puckouts just won't cut it.
Finally, interesting you mention Alan Middleton - this is the kind of game that I'd like to see him involved in. I know he hasn't cut a dominant figure in club matches, but if he's worth a slot on the panel, he's worth at least one chance somewhere. This might be that game where his reading of the game could be very helpful.
Hard to be optimistic, but we live in hope.
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Plain of the Herbs
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Bord na Mona man
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Honours even as Nugent spoils the Faithful party
Offaly 1-16
Clare 1-16
NHL Division 1A
A LAST-GASP injury-time point from Clare corner-forward Barry Nugent gave them a share of the spoils in a high-octane Allianz Hurling League encounter in Birr yesterday.
Nugent stroked over his equaliser from just to the left of the posts two minutes into injury-time and with referee Pat O'Connor blowing the final whistle moments later - seconds before the full three minutes of the allotted injury-time had lapsed - both sides will have gone home with mixed feelings.
Clare will regret their woeful shooting in the first half. They hit eight bad wides in a half in which they recovered from a poor start to control proceedings. The home side started positively and led by four points to one after 14 minutes, with Joe Bergin posing a lot of problems.
Momentum
It was a different story once Clare found their momentum and a super 22nd-minute goal from their ace marksman, Bernard Gaffney had them on level terms at 1-2 to 0-5.
Clare had much reason to be grateful to Gaffney as the 19-year-old was the main reason they did not go home empty-handed, striking 1-8 over the 70 minutes.
With Tony Griffin also springing to life after an opening quarter in which he was comprehensively outplayed by Paul Cleary, Clare fully deserved their 1-8 to 0-7 half-time lead. Indeed, had their shooting been more accurate, they would have been further ahead. John McIntyre's men, though, produced a much more cohesive second half. They set an early marker with quick fire points from Barry Teehan, Paul Cleary - a long-range free - and Joe Bergin (free), and would have edged in front only for two bad wides from Teehan.
A Gaffney free put Clare two to the good before Derek Molloy brought the home crowd to their feet with a clinically taken goal after he did well to win a Ger Oakley delivery in the 12th minute.
The remainder was tremendously exciting with both sides driving forward relentlessly but neither able to get clear. Philip Brennan rescued Clare with a magnificent 21st-minute save from Derek Molloy, though the Offaly forward had the space to take the ball on further.
Offaly were leading by 1-13 to 1-11 at that stage and a goal would surely have put the game beyond Clare's reach. As it was, there was an air of inevitability about the way they dragged themselves back into it.
Griffin and Gaffney helped themselves to two points apiece to level it up with the 70 minutes up.
Rory Hanniffy looked to have snatched it for Offaly with a wonderful strike from the right wing but Barry Nugent popped up to keep Clare's play-off hopes alive.
SCORERS - Offaly: J Bergin 0-5 (4f); D Molloy 1-1; B Carroll, R Hanniffy 0-3 each; P Cleary 0-2f; B Teehan, B Murphy 0-1 each. Clare: B Gaffney 1-8 (4f and 1 '65); F Lynch 0-4; N Gilligan 0-2 (1f); B Nugent, T Carmody 0-1 each.
OFFALY - S O'Connor; D Franks, P Cleary, M Verney; K Brady, C Horan, G Oakley; B Teehan, B Murphy; G Hanniffy, R Hanniffy, D Molloy; B Carroll, J Bergin, A Egan. Sub: C Parlon for A Egan (60).
CLARE - P Brennan; G O'Grady, B O'Connell, F Lohan; A Markham, C Plunkett, C Forde; B Bugler, K Dilleen; N Gilligan, T Carmody, J Clancy; B Nugent, F Lynch, B Gaffney. Subs: D O'Rourke for K Dilleen (19), D O'Connell for D O'Rourke (39), T Kearse for T Carmody (59), J McInerney for B Bugler (68).
REF - P O'Connor (Limerick).
Offaly 1-16
Clare 1-16
NHL Division 1A
A LAST-GASP injury-time point from Clare corner-forward Barry Nugent gave them a share of the spoils in a high-octane Allianz Hurling League encounter in Birr yesterday.
Nugent stroked over his equaliser from just to the left of the posts two minutes into injury-time and with referee Pat O'Connor blowing the final whistle moments later - seconds before the full three minutes of the allotted injury-time had lapsed - both sides will have gone home with mixed feelings.
Clare will regret their woeful shooting in the first half. They hit eight bad wides in a half in which they recovered from a poor start to control proceedings. The home side started positively and led by four points to one after 14 minutes, with Joe Bergin posing a lot of problems.
Momentum
It was a different story once Clare found their momentum and a super 22nd-minute goal from their ace marksman, Bernard Gaffney had them on level terms at 1-2 to 0-5.
Clare had much reason to be grateful to Gaffney as the 19-year-old was the main reason they did not go home empty-handed, striking 1-8 over the 70 minutes.
With Tony Griffin also springing to life after an opening quarter in which he was comprehensively outplayed by Paul Cleary, Clare fully deserved their 1-8 to 0-7 half-time lead. Indeed, had their shooting been more accurate, they would have been further ahead. John McIntyre's men, though, produced a much more cohesive second half. They set an early marker with quick fire points from Barry Teehan, Paul Cleary - a long-range free - and Joe Bergin (free), and would have edged in front only for two bad wides from Teehan.
A Gaffney free put Clare two to the good before Derek Molloy brought the home crowd to their feet with a clinically taken goal after he did well to win a Ger Oakley delivery in the 12th minute.
The remainder was tremendously exciting with both sides driving forward relentlessly but neither able to get clear. Philip Brennan rescued Clare with a magnificent 21st-minute save from Derek Molloy, though the Offaly forward had the space to take the ball on further.
Offaly were leading by 1-13 to 1-11 at that stage and a goal would surely have put the game beyond Clare's reach. As it was, there was an air of inevitability about the way they dragged themselves back into it.
Griffin and Gaffney helped themselves to two points apiece to level it up with the 70 minutes up.
Rory Hanniffy looked to have snatched it for Offaly with a wonderful strike from the right wing but Barry Nugent popped up to keep Clare's play-off hopes alive.
SCORERS - Offaly: J Bergin 0-5 (4f); D Molloy 1-1; B Carroll, R Hanniffy 0-3 each; P Cleary 0-2f; B Teehan, B Murphy 0-1 each. Clare: B Gaffney 1-8 (4f and 1 '65); F Lynch 0-4; N Gilligan 0-2 (1f); B Nugent, T Carmody 0-1 each.
OFFALY - S O'Connor; D Franks, P Cleary, M Verney; K Brady, C Horan, G Oakley; B Teehan, B Murphy; G Hanniffy, R Hanniffy, D Molloy; B Carroll, J Bergin, A Egan. Sub: C Parlon for A Egan (60).
CLARE - P Brennan; G O'Grady, B O'Connell, F Lohan; A Markham, C Plunkett, C Forde; B Bugler, K Dilleen; N Gilligan, T Carmody, J Clancy; B Nugent, F Lynch, B Gaffney. Subs: D O'Rourke for K Dilleen (19), D O'Connell for D O'Rourke (39), T Kearse for T Carmody (59), J McInerney for B Bugler (68).
REF - P O'Connor (Limerick).
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Lone Shark
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My match report below. We now basically are looking at a relgation playoff against Limerick either way, even if we do win in Waterford. Could be worse - I hope we really hammer into them next week, give us a bit of positive momentum going into it.
Offaly 1-16 Clare 1-16
Offaly supporters will look back on last Sunday in Birr and reflect on how their team competed aggressively and consistently over seventy minutes only to end up with a draw that was essentially useless, condemning them to a relegation playoff that will most likely be against Limerick. Clare supporters will wonder if it was the day when Bernard Gaffney announced himself to the hurling world as a real force to be reckoned with, yet they’ll worry about how their team let a four point half time lead slip against a side they comprehensively dismantled in two meetings in 2006. The neutrals will be pleased at having witnessed such a fine contest but feel short changed that a football match between the same counties could not have been added to the bill to supplement both the fare on offer and the atmosphere.
In short, no matter what county you called your own, Sunday’s clash will have left you with either a glass-half-full or glass-half-empty feeling, depending on your natural disposition – it was that sort of game.
A moderate crowd was there in St. Brendan’s Park to witness the game, and the patrons there were treated to a light, sunny and breezy day, in keeping with the previous night’s adjustment to Summer time. Expectations were not very high among the home supporters, but they would have been pleased with the opening exchanges, Offaly having been comfortably on top for the first quarter of the match. Brian Carroll opened the scoring after taking a good lay off from Alan Egan, and that lead could have been stretched considerably some two minutes later when Joe Bergin had the first goal chance of the match.
The chance arose after Brendan Murphy delivered a fine ball in from midfield into the breeze, and the Clareen teenager rose highest to field over Brian O’Connell and draw the foul. He went for goal from the free, a decision that could always be questioned in hindsight, but was understandable all the same. He failed to really get hold of the shot however, and his low strike was batted away for a 65 that was subsequently put wide.
If there was any disappointment among the Offaly ranks at this missed opportunity, it didn’t show. Niall Gilligan equalised from a free, but successive scores from Rory Hanniffy, Brendan Murphy and Joe Bergin gave Offaly a little bit of breathing space. A second Carroll score followed a Bernard Gaffney free, and at 0-5 to 0-2 in front the first quarter had certainly belonged to Offaly.
When looking back on games, some key swing moments stick out in the memory. If Offaly were to reflect on where the tide turned against them, even temporarily, the 21st minute was that time. Rory Hanniffy used his power and pace to create a wonderful point-scoring opening for himself, only to send the ball wide from twenty five metres when all the hard work was done. From Philip Brennans puck out, Bernard Gaffney made a great catch over David Franks, turned him and attacking the Offaly goal, beating Shane O’Connor at his near post. Offaly had a chance to respond in kind not long after, but After Alan Egan created the space and passed out to Rory Hanniffy, the Birr man failed to connect with his first strike, and on the second attempt drove the ball wide under pressure.
The rest of the half turned into the kind of dominance that only Clare can exert. None of this Clare panel will go down in the annals as crafty players who could thrive and score off very little possession, but what they can do is use their undoubted physique and aerial ability to suffocate opponents. Gaffney, Tony Carmody, Fergal Lynch and Barry Nugent can all compete very well for high ball, and while you couldn’t say that Clare were breathtaking, they methodically exploited this advantage to slowly edge further and further in front. By the time Pat O’Connor whistled, they had scored six more times and now led by 1-8 to 0-7.
Offaly needed to break this pattern quickly in the second half and the lively breeze was to play a big part in their recovery. Phillip Brennan could no longer put his puckouts onto the Offaly 45, and it meant much more of the game was being played around midfield, an area where Barry Teehan and particularly Brendan Murphy can claim to have comfortably had the better of their opponents. The return to form of the Ballyskenach man will be of great comfort to John McIntyre and his selectors in the coming weeks as he looks to solve the midfield puzzle, an area that has proved something of an enigma for the county in recent years.
Still it was his partner, Barry Teehan, who kickstarted the revival with an excellent point, a 60 metre effort from right under the stand. Paul Cleary, Joe Bergin and Gaffney all added frees, before once again the game was changed by a goal.
Derek Molloy is far from a stylish hurler, however his ferocity and vigour is bringing an extra dimension to the Offaly forward line, and through sheer force of will, he’s getting on the score sheet for his county in a big way. There is some irony in the fact that his goal came about only after he first failed in his attempt to control the ball. Frank Lohan took control and went to clear, before Molloy hooked, lifted and drove both his own body and then the ball through a crowd of bodies, with the sliothar ending up past Philip Brennan and in the net. The honesty of the build up and the style of the finish summed up why he has been such a great addition to the Offaly forward line this spring.
Another Gaffney point was followed by two more Offaly scores from Bergin and Rory Hanniffy and with twenty minutes to go, Offaly held a two point advantage – 1-12 to 1-10 - and the assistance of the breeze for the remainder. The ability to win is often one of the last things to develop in a young team however, and even though they competed well with Clare for the remainder, they continued to leak scores. Ten minutes later both sides had added three points, and the home support was beginning to believe that Offaly might just hang on. Two poor Clare wides on 63 and 64 minutes bolstered that belief, but Fergal Lynch and that man Gaffney weighed in with scores to level matters. To Offaly’s credit, they dug in again, and when Rory Hanniffy scored in injury time it looked like enough had been done and a great win was on the cards, before Barry Nugent got his first score of the day with the last puck of the game.
Offaly: Shane O’Connor; David Franks, Paul Cleary (0-2, frees), Michael Verney; Ger Oakley, Cathal Horan, Kevin Brady; Barry Teehan (0-1), Brendan Murphy (0-1); Gary Hanniffy, Rory Hanniffy (0-3), Derek Molloy (1-1); Brian Carroll (0-3), Joe Bergin (0-5, 0-4 frees), Alan Egan.
Sub: Cathal Parlon for Alan Egan
Clare: Philip Brennan; Gerry O’Grady, Brian O’Connell, Frank Lohan; Colin Forde, Conor Plunkett, Alan Markham; Brendan Bugler, Kevin Dilleen; Niall Gilligan (0-2, 0-1 free), Tony Carmody (0-1), Jonathan Clancy; Barry Nugent (0-1), Fergal Lynch (0-4), Bernard Gaffney (1-8, 0-4 frees, 0-1 ‘65).
Subs: Declan O’Rourke for Dilleen, David O’Connell for O’Rourke, Tony Kearse for Carmody, James McInerney for Bugler
Referee: Pat O’Connor (Limerick)
Offaly 1-16 Clare 1-16
Offaly supporters will look back on last Sunday in Birr and reflect on how their team competed aggressively and consistently over seventy minutes only to end up with a draw that was essentially useless, condemning them to a relegation playoff that will most likely be against Limerick. Clare supporters will wonder if it was the day when Bernard Gaffney announced himself to the hurling world as a real force to be reckoned with, yet they’ll worry about how their team let a four point half time lead slip against a side they comprehensively dismantled in two meetings in 2006. The neutrals will be pleased at having witnessed such a fine contest but feel short changed that a football match between the same counties could not have been added to the bill to supplement both the fare on offer and the atmosphere.
In short, no matter what county you called your own, Sunday’s clash will have left you with either a glass-half-full or glass-half-empty feeling, depending on your natural disposition – it was that sort of game.
A moderate crowd was there in St. Brendan’s Park to witness the game, and the patrons there were treated to a light, sunny and breezy day, in keeping with the previous night’s adjustment to Summer time. Expectations were not very high among the home supporters, but they would have been pleased with the opening exchanges, Offaly having been comfortably on top for the first quarter of the match. Brian Carroll opened the scoring after taking a good lay off from Alan Egan, and that lead could have been stretched considerably some two minutes later when Joe Bergin had the first goal chance of the match.
The chance arose after Brendan Murphy delivered a fine ball in from midfield into the breeze, and the Clareen teenager rose highest to field over Brian O’Connell and draw the foul. He went for goal from the free, a decision that could always be questioned in hindsight, but was understandable all the same. He failed to really get hold of the shot however, and his low strike was batted away for a 65 that was subsequently put wide.
If there was any disappointment among the Offaly ranks at this missed opportunity, it didn’t show. Niall Gilligan equalised from a free, but successive scores from Rory Hanniffy, Brendan Murphy and Joe Bergin gave Offaly a little bit of breathing space. A second Carroll score followed a Bernard Gaffney free, and at 0-5 to 0-2 in front the first quarter had certainly belonged to Offaly.
When looking back on games, some key swing moments stick out in the memory. If Offaly were to reflect on where the tide turned against them, even temporarily, the 21st minute was that time. Rory Hanniffy used his power and pace to create a wonderful point-scoring opening for himself, only to send the ball wide from twenty five metres when all the hard work was done. From Philip Brennans puck out, Bernard Gaffney made a great catch over David Franks, turned him and attacking the Offaly goal, beating Shane O’Connor at his near post. Offaly had a chance to respond in kind not long after, but After Alan Egan created the space and passed out to Rory Hanniffy, the Birr man failed to connect with his first strike, and on the second attempt drove the ball wide under pressure.
The rest of the half turned into the kind of dominance that only Clare can exert. None of this Clare panel will go down in the annals as crafty players who could thrive and score off very little possession, but what they can do is use their undoubted physique and aerial ability to suffocate opponents. Gaffney, Tony Carmody, Fergal Lynch and Barry Nugent can all compete very well for high ball, and while you couldn’t say that Clare were breathtaking, they methodically exploited this advantage to slowly edge further and further in front. By the time Pat O’Connor whistled, they had scored six more times and now led by 1-8 to 0-7.
Offaly needed to break this pattern quickly in the second half and the lively breeze was to play a big part in their recovery. Phillip Brennan could no longer put his puckouts onto the Offaly 45, and it meant much more of the game was being played around midfield, an area where Barry Teehan and particularly Brendan Murphy can claim to have comfortably had the better of their opponents. The return to form of the Ballyskenach man will be of great comfort to John McIntyre and his selectors in the coming weeks as he looks to solve the midfield puzzle, an area that has proved something of an enigma for the county in recent years.
Still it was his partner, Barry Teehan, who kickstarted the revival with an excellent point, a 60 metre effort from right under the stand. Paul Cleary, Joe Bergin and Gaffney all added frees, before once again the game was changed by a goal.
Derek Molloy is far from a stylish hurler, however his ferocity and vigour is bringing an extra dimension to the Offaly forward line, and through sheer force of will, he’s getting on the score sheet for his county in a big way. There is some irony in the fact that his goal came about only after he first failed in his attempt to control the ball. Frank Lohan took control and went to clear, before Molloy hooked, lifted and drove both his own body and then the ball through a crowd of bodies, with the sliothar ending up past Philip Brennan and in the net. The honesty of the build up and the style of the finish summed up why he has been such a great addition to the Offaly forward line this spring.
Another Gaffney point was followed by two more Offaly scores from Bergin and Rory Hanniffy and with twenty minutes to go, Offaly held a two point advantage – 1-12 to 1-10 - and the assistance of the breeze for the remainder. The ability to win is often one of the last things to develop in a young team however, and even though they competed well with Clare for the remainder, they continued to leak scores. Ten minutes later both sides had added three points, and the home support was beginning to believe that Offaly might just hang on. Two poor Clare wides on 63 and 64 minutes bolstered that belief, but Fergal Lynch and that man Gaffney weighed in with scores to level matters. To Offaly’s credit, they dug in again, and when Rory Hanniffy scored in injury time it looked like enough had been done and a great win was on the cards, before Barry Nugent got his first score of the day with the last puck of the game.
Offaly: Shane O’Connor; David Franks, Paul Cleary (0-2, frees), Michael Verney; Ger Oakley, Cathal Horan, Kevin Brady; Barry Teehan (0-1), Brendan Murphy (0-1); Gary Hanniffy, Rory Hanniffy (0-3), Derek Molloy (1-1); Brian Carroll (0-3), Joe Bergin (0-5, 0-4 frees), Alan Egan.
Sub: Cathal Parlon for Alan Egan
Clare: Philip Brennan; Gerry O’Grady, Brian O’Connell, Frank Lohan; Colin Forde, Conor Plunkett, Alan Markham; Brendan Bugler, Kevin Dilleen; Niall Gilligan (0-2, 0-1 free), Tony Carmody (0-1), Jonathan Clancy; Barry Nugent (0-1), Fergal Lynch (0-4), Bernard Gaffney (1-8, 0-4 frees, 0-1 ‘65).
Subs: Declan O’Rourke for Dilleen, David O’Connell for O’Rourke, Tony Kearse for Carmody, James McInerney for Bugler
Referee: Pat O’Connor (Limerick)
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Muck Savage
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Great report LS
Any summary on how all the young lads are doing so far? How many of them will be on the C'ship team. Seems like they are coming together well, which is good for the U21 during the summer (only thing is I've seen before where they take the U21 as a step down and don't hurl as well). How are the likes of Verney, Hoarn etc. doing overall?
Any summary on how all the young lads are doing so far? How many of them will be on the C'ship team. Seems like they are coming together well, which is good for the U21 during the summer (only thing is I've seen before where they take the U21 as a step down and don't hurl as well). How are the likes of Verney, Hoarn etc. doing overall?
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Plain of the Herbs
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Very briefly, it was around this time that Clare decided to go long-long with their puck-out and fire it down to the big fella at left corner forward. He had a big height advantage over Franks.Lone Shark wrote:When looking back on games, some key swing moments stick out in the memory. If Offaly were to reflect on where the tide turned against them, even temporarily, the 21st minute was that time. Rory Hanniffy used his power and pace to create a wonderful point-scoring opening for himself, only to send the ball wide from twenty five metres when all the hard work was done. From Philip Brennans puck out, Bernard Gaffney made a great catch over David Franks, turned him and attacking the Offaly goal, beating Shane O’Connor at his near post. Offaly had a chance to respond in kind not long after, but After Alan Egan created the space and passed out to Rory Hanniffy, the Birr man failed to connect with his first strike, and on the second attempt drove the ball wide under pressure.
Prior to this, Offaly’s half back line had been superb in sweeping up the loose, misdirected ball Brennan had been delivering.
I thought at this stage Kevin Brady should have been moved back to the corner to mark Gaffney who was doing damage. Just for the remainder of that half.
And if Limerick run up a cricket score on Antrim (quite possible) and Dublin beat Tipperary (unlikely, I know)?Lone Shark wrote:We now basically are looking at a relgation playoff against Limerick either way, even if we do win in Waterford. Could be worse - I hope we really hammer into them next week, give us a bit of positive momentum going into it.
Free Taking
Usually a lively topic - especially when things are not going well from the placed ball.
Can any eyewitnesses comment on how the Cleary/Bergin combination worked out?
I did not see any outright complaints, but just checking.
Can any eyewitnesses comment on how the Cleary/Bergin combination worked out?
I did not see any outright complaints, but just checking.
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Lone Shark
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I certainly couldn’t argue that a switch with Brady might have made sense in that scenario, however to be fair to management, you don’t really see Clare make the adjustment until you have two or three puckouts to notice it, and it was only on around the second that the goal resulted.
Obviously it’s not nailed on that we’ll be playing Limerick, but it is more than likely. If things were to really go our way, Antrim would get some kind of a result against Dublin and then get a win against Limerick thus putting them into the fifth slot – however I can’t see that happening either. I’d give Dublin every chance against Tipp if it was in Parnell Park and both teams faced the same run up, but in Tipperary with Dublin making their third away trip in a week? I can’t see it happen myself to be honest.
With regard to the young lads, obviously it’s early days yet but I’d certainly go so far as to say that the decision to cut a lot of the panel at the start of the year is being vindicated. While some of them have a long way to go before being championship ready, I’d certainly say this year is doing them good and their attitude is by and large commendable.
Looking ahead to the summer, it’s debatable how many of them will get the nod. I’d say that as things stand, here’s how I’d see it, but this must be tempered by the knowledge that for working reasons I’ve only seen the hurlers three times so far this year, so I would defer to superior knowledge.
Full Back Line
Certain: Cleary, Franks
Likely: Hernon or Verney too close to call
In Contention: O’Meara
Franks hasn’t been playing well, but he’s still a blue chip player for us, so I’d be content that come the summer he’ll start. Cleary is solid out, while both Hernon and Verney have been impressive. Hernon’s current injury is unfortunate for him – it might give Verney the edge. I think O’Meara’s been very hard done by, based on last year’s county championship I would have been very keen to get him involved, but he hasn’t got the nod at all yet.
Half Back Line
Certain: None
Likely: Right now, I’d say the most likely Combo is Brady, Horan and Oakley
In Contention: Kenny, Hoctor, Rory Hanniffy
Cathal Horan was very impressive yesterday, and with a little bit more big game experience I’d be inclined to start him. David Kenny is probably a bit raw yet, though I wouldn’t discount him. He’ll have to have a big year for the under 21’s to really mark himself out. I won’t go into the Kevin Brady debate again except to say that his experience will probably get him picked. As for Oakley, well yesterday was typical Ger – fantastic play, if only he could actually hurl. Personally I’d like to see Rory back at wingback – the half back line is a vital line, and at wingback you have a lot more freedom. I’m guessing though that since he’s been in the forwards all year, it’s not going to happen. Says it all that my choice would be Horan wing, Hoctor CB and Rory wing, none of which is likely to happen.
Midfield
Certain: None
Likely: Teehan and Murphy
In Contention: Hoctor
Close call between these three, but while Teehan and Murphy were excellent yesterday, and Murphy’s resurgence in particular is great news, I’d hate to see Dan Hoctor left out. Personally I’d accommodate him in the half back line, but I’m going to guess that he might just end up missing out.
Half Forward Line
Certain: Gary Hanniffy
Likely: Probably Rory Hanniffy and Eddie Bevans
In Contention: Joe Bergin, Derek Molloy
They might yet end up either withdrawing one of Bergin and Molloy to play in this line, which I would do to bring Rory further back, or possibly even bringing Murphy up this far, but most likely is Bevans and Gary Hanniffy either side of Rory.
Full Forward Line
Certain: Brian Carroll
Likely: Joe Bergin and Derek Molloy
In Contention: Alan Egan, Cathal Parlon
On current form both Bergin and Molloy are nailed on starters, the question is just where. I suspect we’re going to see them at 14 and 15 in either order, but we could see one of them back on the half line either. I still think that Alan Egan could burst on to the scene given a summer day, dry ground and a big pitch, but my gut feeling is that he’ll be left off still. That said, the bare facts of the game treated him harshly yesterday – he certainly epitomised the fighting spirit in the team, and a lot of scores and good chances came from assists from the wee’un.
Obviously it’s not nailed on that we’ll be playing Limerick, but it is more than likely. If things were to really go our way, Antrim would get some kind of a result against Dublin and then get a win against Limerick thus putting them into the fifth slot – however I can’t see that happening either. I’d give Dublin every chance against Tipp if it was in Parnell Park and both teams faced the same run up, but in Tipperary with Dublin making their third away trip in a week? I can’t see it happen myself to be honest.
With regard to the young lads, obviously it’s early days yet but I’d certainly go so far as to say that the decision to cut a lot of the panel at the start of the year is being vindicated. While some of them have a long way to go before being championship ready, I’d certainly say this year is doing them good and their attitude is by and large commendable.
Looking ahead to the summer, it’s debatable how many of them will get the nod. I’d say that as things stand, here’s how I’d see it, but this must be tempered by the knowledge that for working reasons I’ve only seen the hurlers three times so far this year, so I would defer to superior knowledge.
Full Back Line
Certain: Cleary, Franks
Likely: Hernon or Verney too close to call
In Contention: O’Meara
Franks hasn’t been playing well, but he’s still a blue chip player for us, so I’d be content that come the summer he’ll start. Cleary is solid out, while both Hernon and Verney have been impressive. Hernon’s current injury is unfortunate for him – it might give Verney the edge. I think O’Meara’s been very hard done by, based on last year’s county championship I would have been very keen to get him involved, but he hasn’t got the nod at all yet.
Half Back Line
Certain: None
Likely: Right now, I’d say the most likely Combo is Brady, Horan and Oakley
In Contention: Kenny, Hoctor, Rory Hanniffy
Cathal Horan was very impressive yesterday, and with a little bit more big game experience I’d be inclined to start him. David Kenny is probably a bit raw yet, though I wouldn’t discount him. He’ll have to have a big year for the under 21’s to really mark himself out. I won’t go into the Kevin Brady debate again except to say that his experience will probably get him picked. As for Oakley, well yesterday was typical Ger – fantastic play, if only he could actually hurl. Personally I’d like to see Rory back at wingback – the half back line is a vital line, and at wingback you have a lot more freedom. I’m guessing though that since he’s been in the forwards all year, it’s not going to happen. Says it all that my choice would be Horan wing, Hoctor CB and Rory wing, none of which is likely to happen.
Midfield
Certain: None
Likely: Teehan and Murphy
In Contention: Hoctor
Close call between these three, but while Teehan and Murphy were excellent yesterday, and Murphy’s resurgence in particular is great news, I’d hate to see Dan Hoctor left out. Personally I’d accommodate him in the half back line, but I’m going to guess that he might just end up missing out.
Half Forward Line
Certain: Gary Hanniffy
Likely: Probably Rory Hanniffy and Eddie Bevans
In Contention: Joe Bergin, Derek Molloy
They might yet end up either withdrawing one of Bergin and Molloy to play in this line, which I would do to bring Rory further back, or possibly even bringing Murphy up this far, but most likely is Bevans and Gary Hanniffy either side of Rory.
Full Forward Line
Certain: Brian Carroll
Likely: Joe Bergin and Derek Molloy
In Contention: Alan Egan, Cathal Parlon
On current form both Bergin and Molloy are nailed on starters, the question is just where. I suspect we’re going to see them at 14 and 15 in either order, but we could see one of them back on the half line either. I still think that Alan Egan could burst on to the scene given a summer day, dry ground and a big pitch, but my gut feeling is that he’ll be left off still. That said, the bare facts of the game treated him harshly yesterday – he certainly epitomised the fighting spirit in the team, and a lot of scores and good chances came from assists from the wee’un.