OFFALY SHC FINAL Tullamore 2-12 Kilcormac/Killoughey 0-11: TULLAMORE PULLED off a big shock when they produced a sensational win over the hot favourites at O'Connor Park yesterday afternoon to take their first senior hurling title since 1964.
The early exchanges were very tightly contested and after 13 minutes, the sides were tied at 0-3 each. However, Tullamore were looking more dangerous up front with their player-manager, the veteran Kevin Martin, proving a handful. He won a penalty in the 14th minute, but Shane Dooley’s effort was saved.
Tullamore made a vital breakthrough when Kevin Martin got in for a deserved goal after a Shane Dooley ball to give them a 1-6 to 0-5 interval lead.
However, it looked as if Kilcormac/Killoughey would get back into the game when they quickly reduced the arrears to one point after the restart, but a very fortunate Ger Treacy goal put Tullamore back in the driving seat.
Tullamore’s victory charge was led by 48-year-old goalkeeper Damien Fox, veteran Martin, Stephen Egan and Dooley.
TULLAMORE: D Fox; A Martin, C Bane, S Egan; N Mannion, B Dagg, H Treacy; J Keane, S Kelly (0-1); E Finnerty (0-1), K Martin (1-1), G Treacy (1-0); F Kerrigan (0-1, sideline), J Duffy (0-1), S Dooley (0-7, two frees and one 65). Subs: S Martin for E Finnerty (52 mins), P Kelly for N Mannion (57 mins).
KILCORMAC/KILLOUGHEY: S McDonald; J Grogan, D Kilmartin, C Guinan; C Cassidy, P Healion, K Leonard; C Mahon, E Lee; B Leonard (0-4, two 65s), D Currams (0-1), M Leonard (0-3); C Slevin (0-2, frees), G Healion, J Gorman (0-1). Subs: P Cummins for J Gorman (39 mins), K Grogan for C Slevin (42 mins), D Kilmartin for M Leonard (52 mins), J Wynne for G Healion (59 mins).
Referee: T Carroll.
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