Closely-fought games in the top three tiers of the Molloy Environmental Systems Offaly Hurling Championships proved how difficult it will be for clubs to secure silverware this season.
There wasn’t a glut of goals in the Senior Hurling Championship, with four of the eight clubs failing to raise a green flag. Top marks went to John Murphy of Ballinamere as he hit a hat-trick in their draw with Shinrone.
Conor Doughan and Adrian Cleary struck for Shinrone, in a very exciting game which accounted for five of the weekend’s seven goals at this grade.
Elsewhere, David Tooher’s strike helped Coolderry edge past Seir Kieran by 1-16 to 0-18, while an Oisin Kelly sideline which sailed to the net wasn’t enough to prevent Belmont losing to reigning champions St Rynagh’s by 0-20 to 1-14. Kilcormac/ Killoughey also finished strongly to overcome last year’s beaten finalists Birr by 0-17 to 0-14.
In the Senior ‘B’, there were victories for Tullamore, Drumcullen, Clodaigh Gaels and Kinnitty.
Here’s all the scores from the adult championships so far, with one Junior A and all the Junior B games down for decision on Bank Holiday Monday.
Senior Hurling Championship
Kilcormac/ Killoughey 0-17, Birr 0-14; Coolderry 1-16, Seir Kieran 0-18; Ballinamere 3-19, Shinrone 2-22; St Rynagh’s 0-20, Belmont 1-14
Senior ‘B’ Hurling Championship
Clodiagh Gaels 1-22, Carrig & Riverstown 3-14; Tullamore 1-20, Clara 2-14; Drumcullen 1-22, Kilcormac/ Killoughey 2-17; Kinnitty 5-20, Kinnitty 0-14
Intermediate Hurling Championship
Shamrocks 0-14, St Rynagh’s 0-13; Belmont 0-20, Brosna Gaels 1-15; Coolderry 3-13, Seir Kieran 1-13; Birr 1-13, Shinrone 0-13
Junior ‘A’ Hurling Championship
Tullamore 5-18, Shamrocks 0-8; Kilcormac/ Killoughey 3-15, Ballinamere 1-20; Clodiagh Gaels 3-18, Coolderry 1-8; Kinnitty 5-16, Crinkill 0-12.
Junior ‘B’ Hurling Championship
Ballinamere 1-21, Tullamore 3-4; Edenderry 3-17, Seir Kieran 1-10; Drumcullen 0-18, Kilcormac/ Killoughey 0-12; Lusmagh 5-21, Coolderry 0-10.
By Offaly PRO Sun 2nd Aug
