Offaly bloom as summer beckons

National Hurling League/Division IB/ Offaly 2-17; Wexord 2-16;  The first real smell of summer and once again Offaly are starting to bloom. Despite some nervous moments and that narrow scoreline at the end, this was a game largely ruled by the Faithful County and executed with no lack of verve either.

Against a background of further player unrest, with the future looking dim, and the epitaph ready again for the printers, comes their best performance of the league. Just like old times then.

Whether this is to be a new chapter or a mere rehashing of the Offaly legend remains to be seen; but certainly there were enough moments at Birr yesterday to suggest they may yet come into the equation this summer.

What impressed also was that the game mattered so much more to Wexford. Still within reach of the play-offs they were clearly the team in form; instead, they chased Offaly in vain for almost the entire 70 minutes.

Not that it mattered a great deal anyhow. Tipperary's victory further south ensured that the three play-off places went elsewhere, though Offaly still have some interest in this league as part of the relegation play-offs (against Meath).

For Offaly manager, Fr Tom Fogarty, this was a game then with championship written all over it. With all the Birr men back in place and the club run out of their systems, at last he would get some indication of where things truly stand. Now he knows at least the foundation is still there.

Defensively, Joe Errity appeared more settled than ever at fullback and Niall Claffey outshone even the afternoon sun at wingback. Barry Whelahan brought fresh agility to midfield and up front, Gary and Rory Hanniffy had their assassin's eyes wide open.

Brian Whelahan at full forward won out his early battles with Darragh Ryan, and with Johnny Dooley also operating at his reliable best, there just wasn't a lot of room for Wexford to get their foot in.

Barry Lambert and Rory McCarthy did manage to keep their scores coming but, unfortunately, not at Offaly's pace. Wexford were thankful, too. that goalkeeper Damian Fitzhenry had a clear head, or the contest would have ended a lot sooner.

With 13 minutes gone in the game the game the scores were already tied at 0-5 apiece. Though Lambert struck first, Offaly then hit four without reply and sure enough, Wexford were on their heels.

Lambert's accuracy kept the chase in check; but then on 14 minutes Rory Hanniffy got a chance to charge at goal and the ball was blasted in to the net. All the Offaly forwards were now jumping like cats and on 23 minutes , after a succession of drives towards the Wexford box, Brendan Murphy finished by hitting the second goal that left Offaly 2-7 to 0-8 in the lead.

Wexford's attack was by now becoming somewhat stagnant and things had become a little desperate. Eddie Doyle and Adrian Fenlon scored well from play; but goal chances were still at a minimum.

Out of nowhere, though, they did manage to raise a green flag. Fenlon's fine side-line appeared to have overshot the goal, but the ball was flicked back by McCarthy into the path of Barry Gough - who simply volleyed it into the net. Pure magic, whether it was intended or not.

A couple of more exchanges of points left the score at 2-11 to 1-10 at the turn around; but Offaly would have celebrated a couple of more goals were it not for the efforts of Fitzhenry. One of his stops from Rory Hanniffy seemed to almost defy the laws of physics and so his list of great hurling saves continues to grow.

With the breeze now in their backs, Wexford had every reason to start the second half with determination and hope. Though Fenlon and Gough struck two quick points, their momentum was either short-lived or without the neccessary impact to shake up Offaly.

But by now Wexford's wides count was also mounting the fastest.

Brian Carroll, who had started as corner forward in place of Damian Murray, hit two of the finest scores of the afternoon to keep Offaly's lead intact; but midway through the half they were under the greatest assault.

Another McCarthy point brought Wexford to within the minimum (2-13 to 1-15). Cue some flawless defending by Claffey and Errity and soon afterwards Offaly were breathing easy again.

Over the next 12 minutes they hit four points in succession, the last of which was an inspiring effort from Gary Hanniffy. When Declan Ruth got Wexford's next score there were just five minutes left and Offaly were looking rock solid again.

Stephen Byrne did at least break sweat with one fine save in the Offaly goal in the closing minutes, but even he didn't seem too bothered when Lambert sent a late, late free straight into the net. By then Offaly were thinking like winners again, and a dangerous thought that is too for their rivals.

OFFALY: S Byrne; D Moran, J Errity, JP O'Meara; J Brady, H Rigney, N Claffey (0-1); Barry Whelahan (0-1), W Comerford; J Dooley (0-7, 4f, 2 65's), G Hanniffy (0-2), B Murphy (1-0); R Hanniffy (1-2), B Whelahan (0-1), B Carroll (0-3). Subs: D Franks for Brady (40 mins), S Brown for Dooley (64).

WEXFORD: D Fitzhenry; D O'Connor, D Ryan, M Travers; D Stamp, D Ruth (0-1f), E Doyle (0-1); T Kelly, R Mallon; D O'Brien, A Fenlon (0-2, 1 sideline), M Jordan; B Lambert (2-7, 6f), B Gough (1-2), R McCarthy (0-3). Subs: C Kehoe for O'Connor (25 mins); G Laffan for O'Brien (56); M J Furlong for Jordan (68)

Referee: A Mac Suibhne (Dublin)