Offaly SH Final: Birr 1-18 Ballyskenach 1-11 Birr captured their 18th Offaly hurling title when they proved too strong for Ballyskenach in the final played at St Brendan's Park, Birr, yesterday.

This victory gave the reigning All-Ireland club champions their fifth title in succession, which equalled the record of St Rynagh's in the 1970s. Birr were never behind and went on to lead 0-8 to 0-6 at the break.

Johnny Pilkington made his mark when he lofted over a point and then in the 43rd minute great work by his brother Declan set up a goal chance and Johnny made no mistake.

Brendan Murphy gave Ballyskenach some hope with a great goal 10-minutes from time but Birr finished well with man-of-the-match Gary Hanniffy, scoring his fifth point from play to add to further points from Barry Whelehan, Rory Hanniffy and Brian Whelehan.

BIRR: B Mullins; G Cahill, J Errity, JP O'Meara; P Molloy, Brian Whelehan (0-3), N Claffey; S Brown, Barry Whelehan (0-1); R Hanniffy (0-6), G Hanniffy (0-5), D Hayden (0-1); D Pilkington, J Pilkington (1-1), S Whelehan (0-1). Sub: L Power for S Whelehan.

BALLYSKENACH: T O'Toole; E Hannon, C Murphy, B Franks; M Kirwan, M O'Hara (0-2), D Franks; B Keeshan, A Middleton; B Murphy (1-0), N Murphy, E Franks (0-7); A Franks (0-1), D Carney, J Dooley (0-1). Sub: D Middleton for A Middleton.

Referee: B Gavin (Clara).