Christy Ring Cup Senior Hurling
Offaly 2-39, Sligo 2-17
Offaly senior hurlers eased into the Christy Ring Cup semi-final with a 22 point victory over Sligo at Markievicz Park.
Despite a sluggish start, Offaly’s victory was never in doubt and they will now have a few weeks to prepare for their penultimate round clash.
Offaly hit 20 points in the opening half, but conceded 1-9 to the home side, and would have been disappointed to only be level after 23 minutes (0-11 to 1-8).
A hungry Sligo side started well and picked off some nice points, in addition to a 13th minute goal. Offaly, in contrast, had a couple of goal chances saved, but Eoghan Cahill and Liam Langton made inroads in attack. Further scores from Brian Duignan, Oisin Kelly and Shane Dooley opened up an eight point lead at the break.
Immediately after the resumption, Shane Dooley struck for Offaly’s only goal. But Sligo didn’t throw in the towel and raised their second green flag in the 41st minute. Neverthless, John Murphy, Eoghan Cahill, Brian Duignan, hit over some impressive points.
Substitutes Jason Sampson and Luke O’Connor also contributed, while a long-range shot from wing back Aidan Treacy ended up in the net shortly before the final whistle.
THE SCORERS
Offaly: Eoghan Cahill 0-15 (9f and 3 ’65s’), Brian Duignan 0-6, Aidan Treacy and Shane Dooley 1-1 each, Liam Langton 0-5, John Murphy 0-4, Oisin Kelly and Killiam Sampson 0-2 each, Leon Fox, Jason Sampson and Luke O’Connor 0-1 each.
Sligo: Gerard O’Kelly-Lynch 2-12 (12f), Tomas Cawley, Gavin Connolly, Conor Hanniffy, Finian Cawley and Andy Kilcullen 0-1 each.
OFFALY: Conor Clancy (St Rynaghs); Paddy Delaney (Kinnitty), Ciarán Burke (Durrow), David King (Coolderry); Aidan Treacy (St Rynagh’s), Ben Conneely (St Rynaghs), Killian Sampson (Shinrone); Leon Fox (Belmont), Ross Ravenhill (Durrow); Eoghan Cahill (Birr), Liam Langton (Clodiagh Gaels), Brian Duignan (Durrow); Oisin Kelly (Belmont), John Murphy (Ballinamere), Shane Dooley (Tullamore). Subs – Jordan Quinn (Kilcormac-Killoughey) for Burke (42m), Jason Sampson (Shinrone) for Dooley (48m), Eimhin Kelly (Lusmagh) for Fox (54m), Shane Kinsella (Kinnitty) for Oisin Kelly (61m), Luke O’Connor (St Rynagh’s) for Langton (65m),
SLIGO: Stephen Fleming; James Weir, Niall Feehily, Niall Kilcullen; Kevin Banks, Rory McHugh, Gavin Connolly; Kevin O’Kennedy, Tony O’Kelly-Lynch; Conor Hanniffy, Joe McHugh, Finian Cawley; Tomas Cawley, Gerard O’Kellyy-Lynch, Michael Munnelly. Subs – Mark Hanniffy for Munnelly (20m), Andy Kilcullen for Tony O’Kelly-Lynch (H/T), Kieran Prior for O’Kennedy (55m), Fionn Moylan for McHugh (55m), Kevin Gilmartin for Cawley (55m),
Referee – Alan Kelly (Galway)
By Offaly PRO Sat 3rd Jul
