NFL DIVISION THREE:Offaly 2-11 Limerick 2-8
OFFALY ACHIEVED the victory they required to retain Division Three status when they overcame Limerick by three points in O’Connor Park in a poor game that was completely devoid of atmosphere.
Offaly dominated the first half and went in at the break leading by 2-7 to 0-3. However, their supporters were subjected to some nerve-wracking moments with a spirited revival by the visitors.
OFFALY:A Mulhall; J Quinn, C Evans, B Darby (0-1); S Lonergan, M Mitchell, K Slattery (0-1); N Smith, C Carroll; S Ryan, J Reynolds (1-1), A McNamee; T Deehan 0-3, PJ Ward (0-2, 1f), N McNamee (1-2, 1 pen). Subs: S Sullivan for Quinn (46 mins), C McManus (0-1) for Ryan (49 mins), G Rafferty for Sullivan (68 mins), R Guinan for Carroll (72 mins).
LIMERICK:S Kelly; J McCarthy, S Gallagher, L O'Dwyer; M O'Riordan, S Lavin, P Ranahan; J O'Donovan, J Galvin; S Kelly (0-1), I Ryan (0-5, 4f), S Buckley (1-0); E Hogan, M Crowley (0-1), G Collins (1-1). Subs: S Lucey for O'Donovan and J Stokes for Hogan (both ht), T Cahill for O'Riordan (50 mins), M Carrig for Crowley (58 mins), K O'Callaghan for O'Dwyer (67 mins), C Joyce-Power for Carrig (72 mins).
Referee:F Flynn (Leitrim).
