Offaly cruise past New York into Tailteann Cup semi-finals

Hosts had their place in the last four secured by half-time when they led by 2-10 to 0-5

New York's Jonathan Glynn competes for a high ball with Lee Pearson of Offaly. Photograph: Tommy Grealy/Inpho
New York's Jonathan Glynn competes for a high ball with Lee Pearson of Offaly. Photograph: Tommy Grealy/Inpho

Offaly 3-17 New York 0-11

Offaly once again showed impressive intent as they coasted past New York in Tullamore on Saturday afternoon and into the semi-finals of the inaugural Tailteann Cup.

John Maughan’s charges are determined to give the second tier competition a real run and have improved with every game throughout the championship. While New York were never truly a threat at any point in the game, Offaly played well and had their place in the last four secured by half-time when they led by 2-10 to 0-5.

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Playing with a strong wind advantage, a 10th minute Keith O’Neill goal gave Offaly a 1-3 to 0-1 lead although New York had their best spell after this. The excellent Jack Reilly got four points, three from play and they were in a competitive position when trailing by 1-7 to 0-5 after 29 minutes. However, Offaly struck for a decisive 1-3 before half time with the goal coming in injury time via Anton Sullivan.

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They killed the contest off with the first four points in the second half. New York did respond with three points on the trot but Offaly then fired in 1-2 with substitute Cathal Flynn scoring their second the goal in the 52nd minute to ensure the closing quarter was only of academic interest.

OFFALY: P Dunican (0-1 free); L Pearson, D Hogan, N Darby (0-2, one free); R Egan, J Moloney (0-1), C Donoghue; C McNamee, J Hayes; B Carroll, R McNamee (0-2), A Sullivan (1-0); J Bryant (0-2), N McNamee (0-6, five frees), K O’Neill (1-1). Subs: C Flynn (1-1) for Carroll (39 mins), D Dempsey for Egan (40 mins), M Tynan for C McNamee (43 mins), D Egan for R McNamee (58 mins), J McEvoy (0-1) for O’Neill (60 mins).

NEW YORK: M Cunningham; C Keane, J Boyle, A Campbell; S Brosnan, P Boyle, D O’Sullivan; G McCullagh, J Glynn P Fox, S Reilly (0-1 free), T Matthers; A Varley (0-4, one free), J Reilly (0-4, one free), M Brosnan. Subs: A Stones for Fox, C Aherne (0-2) for McCullagh (both half-time), D Corridan for J Reilly, C Mathers for S Reilly (both 60 mins).

Referee: M McNally (Monaghan).