Offaly hurlers lost their way in the fog at St Brendan's Park, Birr yesterday and were roundly trounced by Galway in the Oireachtas Cup competition.
There was speculation that the match would be called off because of the heavy cover of fog on the ground, but it didn't deter Galway who tore into the opposition and led by 3-9 to 0-4 at half-time.
The goals came in a nine-minute spell in the opening quarter from corner forwards Donal Moaran (two) and Alan Kerins who caused all sorts of problems for the Offaly full back line.
Offaly improved somewhat in the second half but they had to rely on the experienced men, Johnny Dooley and John Troy, for scores while every member of the Galway forward line and midfield got on the scoresheet.
Galway: R Burke; G Kennedy, B Feeney, L Hodgins; B Keogh, N Shaughnessy, P Hardiman; M Coleman (0-2), L Burke (0-1); F Forde (0-1), C Moore (0-1), J Campbell (0-2); A Kerins (1-4), J Rabbitte (0-4), D Moran (2-0). Sub: L Broderick for Kerins.
Offaly: L Coughlan; D Dooley, K Kinahan, D Franks; M Rigney, H Rigney, M Hand; N Murphy, T Oakley; Johnny Dooley (0-7), J Troy (0-2), E Martin; B Dooley, J Ryan, P Mulhare. Subs: N Hand for Ryan (39 mins).
Referee: D Dunphy (Kilkenny).
