THE minnows had their 60 minutes of fame yesterday as the once important Oireachtas tournament took on the unenviable task of enticing patrons to the hurling fields in what has always been the off season.

Cyril Farrell is no stranger to meaningless matches played out in front of fewer than 1,000 spectators, and this is what he was met with on his return to intercounty management at Ballinasloe.

With club fixtures robbing Farrell of most of his first choice players, only four of the side beaten by Wexford in the All Ireland semi final took to the field.

Nevertheless, Farrell's experimental side were more than a match for Laois.

John McIntyre eased his way into the Offaly hot seat in comfortable fashion at Birr. The home side was almost unrecognisable from that of the championship, but for the unmistakable presence of Joe Errity. This didn't prevent eight Offaly players from combining to shoot 17 first half points past an overrun Down defence.

Four All Ireland finalists helped Limerick to a bloodless 16 point win over Meath. Forgotten man Mike Galligan turned on the style to finish with two goals and four points. Dave Clarke, Sean O'Neill and Mike Houlihan were the other musketeers in what was a lifeless match.