OFFALY SFC FINAL: Rhode 3-9 Clara 2-11:AN EXHIBITION of forward play from Niall McNamee saw Rhode gain revenge over Clara when they recaptured the Offaly SFC title with a richly deserved win in O'Connor Park yesterday.
McNamee scored 2-4, 2-2 from play, to help his club avenge last year’s final defeat by the same opposition. Rhode had first use of the wind and they looked in trouble when the teams were level 2-1 to 1-4 at the interval.
McNamee’s goal after seven minutes put Rhode in the driving seat but that lead was quickly cancelled out by Thomas Deehan’s punched effort. Anton Sullivan’s goal gave Rhode the advantage again but Clara finished the half well with points from John O’Hara and Deehan (a free). However McNamee’s second goal proved a telling blow and despite John O’Hara’s late goal for Clara, Rhode held on for a deserved win.
SCORERS:Rhode – N McNamee 2-4 (two frees), N Darby 0-5 (four frees), A Sullivan (1-0). Clara – T Deehan 1-6 (six frees), J O'Hara (1-2), J Reynolds (0-3).
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