Offaly’s last-minute smash and grab act denies Antrim

Offaly 2-19 Antrim 1-20 Offaly left Ballycastle yesterday as victors after a last-minute smash and grab act denied Antrim. An injury-time goal from a Brian Carroll free edged Offaly ahead after Antrim looked to have sealed a memorable win.

Carroll’s effort sailed through a crowded square to make it 2-18 to 1-20 to Offaly. Seconds later Seán Cleary fired over the final score of the day for a two-point Offaly win.

The sides were level eight times. Antrim played the better hurling, but Offaly continued to look dangerous close to goal and forced O’Connell into six superb saves.

Antrim could also have raised more green flags and Ciaran Clarke and PJ O’Connell ran the Offaly full back line ragged at times.

On 19 minutes, with the sides all square at 0-6, Shane Dooley was denied by O'Connell before Bergin saw his effort turned away by the Loughgiel Shamrocks man.

Antrim also continued to create chances and Clarke's 27th-minute effort had James Dempsey beaten, only to come off the post and PJ O'Connell's effort three minutes from the break stretched Dempsey.

Four unanswered scores had Antrim 0-11 to 0-7 to the good approaching the half hour mark and a Shiels free saw Antrim into the half-time break with a 0-13 to 0-10 lead.

Offaly salvo

Clarke stretched the Antrim lead but David Kenny’s goal began a 1-2 Offaly salvo without reply.

Derek Morken

and Bergin put Offaly into a one-point lead, 1-12 to 0-14, with 43 minutes played. PJ O’Connell finally got the goal he deserved put Antrim five points to the good with 12 minutes to play.

Offaly trailed by two, 1-20 to 1-18, when McGuinness was blown up for a foul on Morkan in injury time. The free was moved forward after Antrim protests and Carroll's effort sailed into the net for a one-point lead and heartbreak for the home support. ANTRIM: C O'Connell; O McFadden, C McKinley, A Graffin; S McCrory, N McAuley (0-1), N McManus (0-1, free); T McCann (0-1), J McGreevy (0-1); C Carson, P Shiels (0-8, four, two 65), C McCann (0-1); D Hamill, C Clarke (0-3), PJ O'Connell (1-2). Subs: M Bradley (0-1) for S McCrory, S McAfee (0-1) for D Hamill, D McKernan for J McGreevy, N McKenna for N McAuley. OFFALY: J Dempsey; N Wynne, R Hanniffy, C McDonald; K Brady, G Healion, C Parlon (0-1); C Mahon, S Ryan (0-1); S Dooley (0-2), D Kenny (1-0), C Egan (0-2); B Carroll (1-4, 1-2 frees, 0-2 65s), D Currams (0-2), J Bergin (0-5, two frees). Subs: D Morkan (0-1) for S Ryan, E Nolan for N Wynne, S Cleary (0-1) for S Dooley, K Connolly for G Healion. Referee: J McGrath (Westmeath)