Offaly took on Dublin Plunkett in their second match of the Celtic Challenge competition on Wednesday the 9th of May in Brendan’s Park, Birr.
With only seconds gone in the match Dublin Plunkety conceded a free giving Offaly the first point courtesy of free taker Mark Cahill.
A minute later Dublin Plunkett got their first point from play. Offaly began to pull away slightly with Luke Wyer and Joe Ryan adding a point each to the score board from play, while Mark Cahill also got another point from a free.
Dublin Plukett did not give up and fought back resulting in them getting the next three points all from play.
There was nearly 19 minutes gone on the clock when the ball dropped short of the goal line and full forward Joe Ryan managed to get his hurl to the ball and knock it into the back of the net.
Both teams got two more points each from frees’ and a point each from play before the half time whistle was blown. Offaly’s points came from Mark Cahill’s placed balls while Niall Lyons got a super point from play leaving Dublin Plukett only trailing by a goal.
David Murray was the first substitution made for Offaly and what an impact he made when he was brought on. Not only did he get Offaly’s first point of the second half, he also made the perfect pass to substitution Ronan Cleary who buried it in the back of the net getting Offaly their second goal.
David Murray kept Offaly very much in the game by getting them their third goal and by his determination of never giving up till the end also gained him the best and fairest award of the match.
Even though Offaly kept the lead for most of the match it was Dublin Plunkett who was dominating the game and was getting most of their scores from play while Offaly only managed to get a total of four points from play.
There was only ten minutes left in the match when Dublin Plunkett received a free. Unfortunately for Offaly they read it wrong and headed up in the back of the net bringing it back to a draw and anyone’s match.
Mark Cahill scored two more points from frees and also got a point from a 65, while Dublin Plunkett scored 11 points in the second half.
Offaly had two more chances before full time to bring it a draw match but it just wasn’t their day giving Dublin Plukett the win. Final score Dublin Plunkett 1-18 Offaly 3-10.
By kenny Thu 10th May
