Month: September 2021

THE PROSPECT OF a ban on backpasses to goalkeepers in Gaelic football has been hinted at by GAA President John Horan.

Five experimental rules were approved last November to be trialled in the 2019 pre-season provincial competitions and the Allianz football league.

The handpass rule, which ruled out more than three passes in a row by the hand, was binned before the league commenced but the other four – an attacking mark, kickouts from the 20-metre line, a 10-minute sin-bin instead of dismissal for black card offences and sidelines only being kicked forward – were in play during the spring action in the four divisions.

They are now set to be put forward as motions for the GAA’s Special Congress, that is pencilled in to take place in Páirc Uí Chaoimh later this year on 19 October.

And Horan, speaking yesterday at the 2019 All-Ireland football launch in Scotstown in Monaghan, raised the prospect of a potential debate on bringing in a rule to prevent goalkeepers from receiving backpasses from team-mates.

“You could yeah (see it debated). A proposal on changing the rule doesn’t have to be experimented on. The stats on it, of the 20 games that were analysed for the National League, there was an average of 10 back passes to the goalkeeper.

“If you think about it, if you take out the goalkeeper as the safety valve behind the defence, it then allows the team to press forward much more and actually draw them out instead of going back behind. It was unfortunate that we didn’t get it into the mix at the particular time, but it’s there for debate now and it will be put out for people to talk about.”

Several leading netminders who are comfortable in possession have began to impact more in open play with Tyrone’s Niall Morgan getting on the scoresheet in spectacular style earlier this year in the league.

Niall Morgan with a sensational equalising point for @TyroneGAALive pic.twitter.com/LkDYu1yBzY

— The GAA (@officialgaa) February 10, 2019

“Whilst a few of them might go on the attack with the ball, it is providing a valve for defensive football, the goalkeeper being there as the extra man,” stated Horan.

“But my point to you was if the goalkeeper is not there as the safety valve and complying as the extra man coming out that teams will push forward.

“What I’m saying is, it doesn’t have to be trialled, by rule. But we’ll just see what people think. I’m not saying this is going to happen – I’m only saying it’s out there for debate. It’s not a proposal, it’s just out there for debate.”

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LEAGUE SEMI-FINALS could be scheduled for St Patrick’s Day next year as the GAA seeks to fill the date with fixtures after moving the All-Ireland club finals to January.

It was confirmed last Saturday that instead of the traditional 17 March slot, the senior deciders will be held on Sunday 19 January in 2020. The semi-finals will take place a fortnight previously on the weekend of 4-5 January.

The finals will be held in Croke Park as usual with the last four games to be staged at provincial venues.

GAA President John Horan described the decision as ‘a very simple, logical move’ as it will end the difficulty of a long winter lay-off for clubs after their provincial finals.

He believes it will be helpful for counties who have to operate without club stars for the start of the league campaign and explained why the GAA opted not to bring the All-Ireland club series to a halt in the calendar year.

“Obviously we’ll fill Patrick’s Day. It’s a big move in itself, moving them out of there, because everyone felt that’s something that couldn’t happen.

“When you look at the stretch of time – 18 weeks waiting from the provincial final, the cost and then teams like Longford, whose National League would be very much dependent on having all their players and they’re losing out on the Mullinalaghta players, the smaller counties were suffering out of the whole thing.

“I think it’s a very simple, logical move to do it. We can fill Patrick’s Day with something – it could be league hurling semi-finals or football semi-finals, or anything like that we could look at.

“The semi-finals will be at provincial venues and the final will be at Croke Park. The reason we could only bring it forward to January was because of the county and provincial club programmes that already were set, and we couldn’t get the movement.

“Bringing it to January is the first stage, and the hope is that with the counties and provinces in their planning next year, we might even be able to move it a bit more.”

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KILKENNY HAVE NAMED an unchanged side for tomorrow’s Leinster U20 hurling semi-final against a Galway team that will be making their championship bow for the season.

Adrian Mullen, who hit 0-3 in Sunday’s Leinster senior final, has been named at full-forward for Kilkenny with Ballyhale All-Ireland club winning team-mates Dean Mason, Evan Shefflin and Eoin Cody also in the starting side. Centre-forward Niall Brassil struck 0-7 in the quarter-final victory over Laois while corner-forward Stephen Donnelly bagged 1-1.

Galway’s team includes defender Darren Morrissey, who featured in senior championship action recently for the county against Dublin. Corner-forward Sean Bleahene is another player who saw gametime for the Galway senior side in the league this spring.

11 of the Galway starting side were part of the 2017 All-Ireland minor final triumph while midfielder Séan Neary and wing-forward Diarmuid Kilcommins were in action in last year’s All-Ireland minor win for the county.

Throw-in at O’Connor Park in Tullamore tomorrow night is 7.30pm with live TV coverage on TG4.

Limerick take on Cork at the Munster quarter-final stage tonight with centre-back Mikey O’Brien having been part of John Kiely’s extended senior squad. Midfielder Ronan Connolly was involved in the senior setup earlier this year.

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Senior defender Robert Downey is part of the Cork team for a game that starts at 7.30pm in Páirc Uí Rinn.

Galway

1. Darach Fahy (Ardrahan)

2. Darren Morrissey (Sarsfields)
3. Mark Gill (Castlegar)
4. Caimin Killeen (Loughrea – joint captain)

5. Ronan Glennon (Mullagh)
6. TJ Brennan (Clarinbridge)
7. Daniel Loftus (Turloughmore)

8. Séan Neary (Castlegar)
9. Conor Caulfield (Kilconieron)

10. Diarmuid Kilcommins (Annaghdown)
11. Conor Walsh (Turloughmore)
12. Shane Ryan (Clarinbridge)

13. Mark Kennedy (Clarinbridge)
14. John Fleming (Meelick-Eyrecourt)
15. Séan Bleahene (Ahascragh-Fohenagh – joint captain)

Kilkenny

1. Dean Mason (Ballyhale Shamrocks)

2. Tommy Ronan (Graigue-Ballycallan)
3. Conor Flynn (Graigue-Ballycallan)
4. Mikey Butler (O’Loughlin Gaels)

5. Conor Heary (O’Loughlin Gaels)
6. Michael Carey (Young Irelands)
7. David Blanchfield (Bennettsbridge)

8. John Dowd (Erin’s Own)
9. Evan Shefflin (Ballyhale Shamrocks – captain)

10. Eoin O’Shea (O’Loughlin Gaels)
11. Niall Brassil (James Stephens)
12. James Bergin (Clara)

13. Stephen Donnelly (Thomastown)
14. Adrian Mullen (Ballyhale Shamrocks)
15. Eoin Cody (Ballyhale Shamrocks)

Limerick

1. Jason Gillane (Patrickswell)

2. Conor Flahive (Mungret)
3. Ciaran Barry (Ahane)
4. Josh Considine (Patrickswell)

5. Rory Duff (Mungret)
6. Mikey O’Brien (Doon)
7. Michael O’Grady (Knockainey)

8. Ronan Connolly (Adare)
9. David Woulfe (Kilmallock)

10. Paul O’Riordan (Bruff)
11. Eoin Sheehan (Garryspillane)
12. Jack Ryan (Doon)

13. Mark McCarthy (Templeglantine)
14. Dylan O’Shea (Garryspillane)
15. Paul O’Brien (Mungret)

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GAA PRESIDENT JOHN Horan believes there is greater analysis needed of the level of funding given to Dublin.

The issue continues to spark debate as Dublin’s dominance continues unabated with another Leinster title picked up in effortless fashion recently and they head into the All-Ireland series bidding for a fifth title on the spin.

The contrast in figures in terms of coaching and games grants has been stark with Dublin receiving almost €18 million since 2007 ahead of Cork in second place, who took in almost €1.4 million. 

Horan, who was speaking in Scotstown in Monaghan yesterday at the launch of the 2019 All-Ireland football series, pointed to the funding that other counties receive from their provincial bodies.  

“I think there needs to be a greater analysis of it. It’s very easy to take a global figure and say it’s one point whatever going to Dublin and whatever going to the rest. But if you actually did an analysis, where is the penetration in the schools which a lot of the coaching money in Dublin is going into and that goes into camogie and ladies football as well. So that’s where it is.

“People are operating off global figures because Dublin’s money goes from Croke Park whereas most of the other counties in Leinster get their money from the province, by going from Croke Park to the province.

“I’ve just come out from talking to people from Tyrone there about the coaching and games structure. They went down to Dublin to see John Costello to see the model that’s in Dublin and they don’t agree with the debate that’s out there about Dublin and the funding.

“The funding going into Dublin is to maintain participation levels in the organisation, which is key. To sound boring myself about this, there are other factors that play into Dublin’s success. One is a very competitive and successful games programme which is driven, in fairness, by the capacity abilities that they have in the county.”

Horan also revealed that the two sides promoted from Division 3 of the football league next year may have a route to compete for Sam Maguire in 2020.

The proposed two-tier championship plans at the moment indicate teams in Division 3 and 4 must reach their provincial final next season to move into the All-Ireland race.

But the GAA President indicated that it may be better for the All-Ireland split after the provincial championships, based on the 2020 league finishing positions rather than the starting race.

“That’s a minor tweak that could happen and I’d be inclined to say it will happen that it’s where you finish. Then that gives momentum to the league in the start of the year into the championship rather than waiting until the following year.

“The amendments will be done between now and the motions will be finally put together for the Central Council meeting in September to be ready for October (for Special Congress).”

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LONDON GAA ARE looking for a new football manager after deciding not to retain the services of Ciarán Deely, who has been in charge for the last four years.

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The former Wexford captain said he was “disappointed” to hear about the news yesterday. London GAA have today confirmed that the decision to part ways with Deely was taken at a county management committee meeting on Monday.

“The committee would like to thank Ciaran and all his backroom team for their efforts and commitment over the past four years and wish them all well in the future,” a statement on London GAA’s official Twitter account reads.

The statement also confirmed that London hurling manager Shane Kelly has decided to step down from the position “due to work and family commitments.”

“The process to appoint new managers for both county teams will be the responsibility of two separate three-person committees and nominations will be sought from clubs,” the statement concludes.

Source: Official London GAA Twitter

Deely’s exit comes after a season in which London gave Galway a scare in the Connacht SFC. They were level at half-time when the sides met in Ruislip, with Deely’s charges going on to suffer a four-point defeat.

London bowed out of the All-Ireland qualifiers after losing out to Offaly.

Disappointed to hear today that London GAA have decided to look for a different senior football team manager for next season,” Deely wrote on Twitter.

“I’m very proud of the work myself and my backroom staff have done in the last 4 years with a really great group of players. I wish them all the best.

Source: Ciaran Deely Twitter

“Regardless of our differences, I would like to thank the London County Board for giving me the chance to be an inter-county manager at the age of 32. We were an inch away from beating Galway in championship this year, but I accept it’s a results business rather than what you build.”

Deely previously served as a selector and trainer with the London footballers before becoming the manager.

In 2018, he led the side to a fourth-placed finish in the Division 4 table.

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WATERFORD ARE HOPEFUL they may get a fixture change to help their dual underage players who are facing a hectic schedule next week.

Waterford are set to face Tipperary in a Munster U20 hurling semi-final next Tuesday 9 July at 7.30pm in Semple Stadium, their opening game at that level this season.

Last night the Waterford U20 footballers were victorious against Clare by 1-10 to 1-9 in Dungarvan and are scheduled to meet Cork in the Munster U20 football semi-final next Thursday 11 July at 7pm in Clonakilty.

Eight members of the team that triumphed in last night’s football quarter-final are also set to be involved with their hurling squad.

The half-back line of Mark Twomey, Tom Barron and Sam Fitzgerald, midfield duo of Dan Booth and Brian Lynch, wing-forwards Sean Whelan-Barrett and Billy Power, along with corner-forward Darragh O’Keeffe, are the dual players in question.

“At the moment we’re talking to the Munster Council and to the Cork officials to see if we could maybe get an extra day,” revealed Waterford U20 football manager Gavin Whelan.

“We’ve eight players lining out with the hurlers on Tuesday night up against Tipp and we’d wish them the best of luck, hoping all goes well for them.

“Asking the guys to line out two nights after playing a big Munster hurling championship game is really going to be a big ask for our dual players, who are proud to play the football as well.

“We’ll see what manoeuvres can be done. It’d still be a tough ask but if we got it back to the Friday, we’d probably take that at this stage. It’s a serious schedule but we realise that fixtures calendar is there.”

The U20 football final is set to take place in Munster on 18 July, Kerry take on Limerick in the other semi-final, with the equivalent hurling decider down for 23 July.

Despite the hectic programme of games, Whelan was delighted to see his side triumph last night. In the old U21 football grade, Waterford had not won a match in Munster since 2006.

“We’re just happy to be in the last four. It’s a huge boost for Waterford football. I think it’s a great achievement for us to get over the line against Clare and to be going down playing a team of the calibre of Cork in their own home patch is one we’re going to relish.

“It’s just a pity we mightn’t get full preparation into the lads over the next couple of days, it’s all about recovery really.”

Darragh Corcoran in action for Waterford against Westmeath recently in Mullingar.

Source: Laszlo Geczo/INPHO

Darragh Corcoran was one of four Waterford senior panellists in the U21 side along with Whelan-Barrett, Lynch and Stephen Curry.

Last night marked his first underage match for Waterford after being focused on soccer in recent seasons and the St Saviour’s forward made his mark as he scored 1-7 with 1-3 from play.

“Soccer for Waterford FC over the past few years was probably his first choice. Came in last night, kicked 1-7, scores out of the top drawer. The one that put us in front was just superb, on the run from 45 yards out.

“Comes from a proud family tradition, his father Tony would have been involved with Waterford senior squads over the last few years. It’s great to have him flying the flag, he was a big influence.”

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Mayo 1-25
Sligo 1-6

Colm Gannon reports from MacHale Park

MAYO EASED THEIR way into the Connacht U20 football championship final with a big 19-point win over Sligo in Castlebar on Wednesday evening. 

Mike Solan’s side had the heavy lifting done by the half-time whistle, going into the break leading by 0-12 to 0-2.

Evan O’Brien and Barry Gorman traded early points — but from the fifth minute on it was all Mayo with O’Brien scoring three before the break, as did Tommy Conroy and Aiden Orme.

Sligo did have a chance to reduce the arrears five minutes into the second period when Sean Carroll was fouled and they were awarded a penalty, but Alan Reilly’s effort was saved by Jamie Nicholas in the Mayo goal. 

The home side kept up the pressure in the second half and had extended their lead to 0-19 to 0-4 by the three-quarters mark with O’Brien adding two more to his tally and Stephen McGreal kicking two powerful scores before he was called ashore. 

Mayo boss Mike Solan.

Source: Laszlo Geczo/INPHO

Sligo did pull a goal back with 10 minutes to go through Sean Carroll, who finished from close range after Gorman broke down a long ball but by that stage, the game was well and truly over and Mayo were looking forward to next week’s final.

An Oisin Mullin goal five minutes from the end put the final gloss on the scoreboard for Mayo. 

Scorers for Mayo: Evan O’Brien (0-6, 2f), Tommy Conroy (0-5), Stephen McGreal (0-3), Aiden Orme (0-3, 1f), Oisin Mullin (1-0), Gavin Durcan (0-2), Paddy Goldrick (0-2), John Gallagher (0-1), Paul Towey (0-1) Nathan Moran (0-1), Mark Moran (0-1).

Scorers for Sligo: Barry Gorman (0-4, 2f), Sean Carroll (1-0), Alan Reilly (0-1) Shane Deignan (0-1, 1f). 

MAYO: 

1. Jamie McNicholas (Kiltimagh) 

2. Jack Coyne (Ballyhaunis)
3. Rory Brickenden (Westport)
4. Oisin Mullin (Kilmaine)

5. Aaron McDonnell (Ballinrobe)
6. Conor Beirne (Breaffy)
7. Eoghan McLaughlin (Westport)

8. Evan O’Brien (Ballinrobe)
9. Gavin Durcan (Castlebar Mitchels) 

10. John Gallagher (Mayo Gaels)
11. Paul Towey (Charlestown)
12. Paddy Goldrick (Charlestown)

13. Aiden Orme (Knockmore)
14. Stephen McGreal (Claremorris)
15. Tommy Conroy (The Neale). 

Subs:

16. David McBrien (Ballaghaderreen) for Coyne (BC)
18. David Gannon (Claremorris) for McLaughlin
20. Nathan Moran (Hollymount-Carramore) for Goldrick
22. Mark Moran (Westport) for McGreal
25. Kieran Conway (Belmullet) for Gallagher
21. Ciaran Gavin (Ballintubber) for Conroy. 

SLIGO: 

1. Alan Davey (Eastern Harps)

2. Evan Lyons (Shamrock Gaels)
3. Josh Ellis (Enniscrone/Killglass)
4. David Barrett (Coolaney/Mullinabreen) 

5. Cian Surlis (Tourlestrane)
6. Karl McKeanna (Shamrock Gaels)
7. Niall Connolly (Coolaney/Mullinabreena)

8. Bary Gorman (Coolaney/Mullinabreena)
9. Dillon McDermott (Shamrock Gaels)

10. Gavin Gorman (Coolaney/Muinabreena)
11. Alan Reilly (Curry)
12. James Carroll (Shamrock Gaels) 

13. Luke Towey (St Molaise Gaels)
14. Shane Deignan (Shamrock Gaels)
15. Rory McHugh (Easkey). 

Subs:

18. Sean Carroll (Shamrock Gaels) for Carroll
20. Hubert Gilvarry (St Mary’s) for Connolly
22. Conan Marren (Tourlestrane) for McDermott
23. Cian Brett (Bunninadden) for Reilly
24. Paul Flynn (Castleconnor) for McKenna
17. Eoin Hallinan (Enniscrone/Kilglass) for Barrett.

Referee: James Molloy (Galway).

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Galway 0-17
Roscommon 1-7

John Fallon reports from Kiltoom

GALWAY ADVANCED THROUGH to a Connacht U20 football championship showdown against Mayo in Tuam next Wednesday after seeing off the challenge of Shane Curran’s Roscommon in a game played in perfect conditions in Kiltoom.

Galway were on top throughout but still had to dig deep to see off a Roscommon side who never gave up, with Mayo advancing through courtesy of their big win over Sligo.

But Galway held an edge for most of the contest and would have won more comfortably had they not shot 12 wides to Roscommon’s two, both of which came in the opening half.

Galway had seven different scorers in the opening half as they built up a 0-11 to 1-2 lead with some superb, fluid football that bore all the hallmarks of manager Padraic Joyce.

They worked the ball into good positions before opting for the shot and Roscommon struggled to stay in contention.

Galway goalkeeper Oran Burke saved superbly from Roscommon full-forward Paul Carey after six minutes but then seven minutes later was blinded by the sun as an effort from wing-back Gerry Galvin ended up in the net.

However, Roscommon were not able to build on that 1-1 to 0-3 lead and Galway outscored them by 0-8 to 0-2 in the second quarter, with Matthew Tierney particularly impressive from long-distance frees and in open play.

Roscommon manager Shane Curran.

Source: Laszlo Geczo/INPHO

Roscommon rallied after the restart and two points from Ronan Dowd and one from James Fitzpatrick gave them hope after Rory Cunningham had extended Galway’s lead.

That left a goal between the sides but that was as close as the hosts got as Galway regrouped and sealed their place in the final with Cunningham, Darragh Silke and Liam Costello hitting good points.

Roscommon had a chance to make it a close finish but Brian Derwin’s penalty in the first minute of the added five flew over the bar with six points between them and Galway came down the other and cancelled it with another free from Silke, the younger brother of senior player Liam.

Roscommon finished with 14 men when Jonathan Hester picked up a second yellow card late in the game.

Scorers for Roscommon: Gerry Galvin 1-0, Ronan Dowd 0-3 (1f), Aaron Brady 0-1 (’45), Brian Derwin 0-1 (f), Paul Carey 0-1 (f), James Fitzpatrick 0-1.

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Scorers for Galway: Rory Cunningham 0-4, Darragh Silke 0-3 (3f), Matthew Tierney 0-3 (2f), Liam Costello 0-2, Padraig Costello 0-2, Ross Mahon 0-1, Liam Boyle 0-1, Eoin Mannion 0-1. 

ROSCOMMON:

16. Aaron Brady (Elphin)

2. Enda Killoran (Elphin)
3. Evan Flynn (Tulsk Lord Edward’s)
4. Robbie Dolan (St Brigid’s) 

5. Michael Conroy (Castlerea St Kevin’s)
6. Niall Higgins (Elphin)
7. Gerry Galvin (Tulsk Lord Edward’s)

8. Dylan Sumner (Clann na nGael)
9. Padraig Halpin (St Barry’s) 

10. Daire Keenan (St Dominic’s)
11. Ronan Dowd (Creggs)
18. Jonathan Hester (Castlerea St Kevin’s)

21. James Fitzpatrick (Oran)
14. Paul Carey (Padraig Pearses)
15. Dylan Ruane (Michael Glavey’s).

Subs:

24. Ciaran Lawless (Oran) for Keenan (HT)
17. Sean Hanly (Kilbride) for Killoran (33)
23. Tim Lambe (Roscommon Gaels) for Conroy (37)
13. Brian Derwin (St Brigid’s) for Fitzpatrick (45)
20. Cian Corcoran (Strokestown) for Sumner (51)
12. Thomas O’Rourke (Tulsk Lord Edward’s) for Ruane (58)

GALWAY:

1. Oran Burke (Corofin)

2. Ross Mahon (Corofin)
3. Sean Mulkerrin ((Oileain Arainn)
4. Eoghan McFadden (Salthill/Knocknacarra)

5. Liam Boyle (Kilkerrin/Clonberne)
6. Ciaran Potter (Annaghdown)
7. Jack Kirrane (Milltown)

8. Matthias Barrett (Leititr Mor)
9. Michael Collins (Tuam Stars)

10. Matthew Tierney (Oughterard)
11. Gavin Burke (Corofin)
12. Ben O’Connell (Tuam Stars)

13. Darragh Silke (Corofin)
14. Padraig Costello (Dunmore MacHales)
15. Rory Cunningham (St Brendan’s).

Subs:

20. Liam Costello (Milltown) for Collins (26)
17. Jack Glynn (Claregalway) for Kirrane (46)
23. Tony Gill (Corofin) for Mulkerrin (BC 50)
22. Eoin Mannion (Milltown) for Costello (50)
24. Conor Newell (Corofin) for O’Connell (54)
21. Jason Reilly (Claregalway) for G Burke (58).

Referee: Jerome Henry (Mayo).

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Wexford 2-20
Offaly 1-18

Kevin Egan reports from Bord Na Mona O’Connor Park

WEXFORD’S BID TO win all three Leinster hurling titles in the one year for the first time since 1970 is still very much alive after they came through a stiff test in Tullamore tonight, with Diarmuid Doyle’s late goal sealing a hard-fought win over Offaly.

In general play, Wexford were the more effective side over the course of the hour but 15 wides allowed Offaly stay in the contest, not to mention a significant kiss of good fortune for the Faithful men when John Murphy’s long-range shot for a point evaded James Lawlor in the Wexford goal and crept into the net.

Having been seven points down earlier in the half, Offaly built on that score and got back to within one through some great, late points from Conor Langton, David Nally and Killian Sampson, but they couldn’t find a way to get on terms and a powerful run and finish from Seán Keane Carroll, a free from Ross Banville and Doyle’s goal wrapped up the win.

5,172 supporters made their way into Tullamore and would have been confident of another big result for this Offaly side following earlier wins over Carlow and Westmeath and a memorable extra-time defat of Dublin.

But it was Wexford, in their first competitive tie, who settled better.

The electric pace of Keane Carroll and Banville in their half-forward line was the trump card for MJ Reck’s side and they fired in two points each in the opening 10 minutes, and were followed in by a goal from Conall Clancy, blasted into the roof of the net from a tight angle in the right corner.

Wexford boss MJ Reck.

Source: Bryan Keane/INPHO

Offaly kept themselves in the game, largely on the back of a solid defensive showing, and two Cathal Kiely frees either side of a good score from Brian Duignan pulled the lead back to two, but they were working off scraps.

Wexford’s half-back line was imperious under the long Offaly puckout, while the style of play employed by the visitors was very similar to that of Davy Fitzgerald’s seniors and they worked the ball through the lines very well, picking off some superb team scores to build a 1-8 to 0-7 interval lead.

That lead was pushed out to seven by the midway point in the half, with Conor Scallan, Eoin Murphy and Charlie McGuckin [Wexford captain and son of Offaly All-Ireland medallist Shane McGuckin] all on the scoresheet with superb scores from distance.

Their inaccuracy left Offaly in the game, however, and once Murphy’s long ball gave the home side a goal, a hugely dramatic finish ensued. 

Scorers for Offaly: Cathal Kiely 0-5 (5fs), David Nally (2fs) and Conor Langton 0-4 each, John Murphy 1-1, Barry Kealey, Brian Duignan, Cillian Ryan and Killian Sampson 0-1 each.

Scorers for Wexford: Ross Banville 0-10 (6fs, 1 65), Conall Clancy 1-1, Diarmuid Doyle 1-0, Seán Keane Carroll 0-3, Niall Murphy, Charlie McGuckin, Conor Scallan, Sean O’Connor, Eoin Murphy, J Reck 0-1 each. 

OFFALY:

1. Eamonn Cleary (Shinrone)

2. Dara Maher (Shinrone)
6. Conor Butler (Belmont)
5. Ciarán Burke (Ballinamere)

7. Killian Sampson (Shinrone)
3. Ross Ravenhill (Ballinamere)
4. Ryan Hogan (Carrig & Riverstown)

15. Joey Keenaghan (Clodiagh Gaels)
9. David Nally (Belmont)

13. Brian Duignan (Ballinamere)
11. Barry Kealey (Seir Kieran)
14. Cillian Ryan (Shinrone)

10. John Murphy (Ballinamere)
8. Cathal Kiely (Kilcormac-Killoughey)
12. Conor Langton (Clodiagh Gaels).

Subs:

19. Conor Quinn (Kilcormac-Killoughey) for Kealey (36)
20. Lochlainn Kavanagh (Kilcormac-Killoughey) for Ryan (48)
17. Sean Beatty (Clodiagh Gaels) for Maher (58).

WEXFORD:

1. James Lawlor (Ferns St. Aidan’s)

4. Eoin O’Leary (St. Martin’s)
3. Eoin Molloy (Naomh Éanna)
2. Cathal O’Connor (Rathnure)

5. Niall Murphy (Ferns St. Aidan’s)
6. Mike Kelly (Oylegate/Glenbrien)
7. Conor Scallan (Ferns St. Aidan’s)

9. Eoin Murphy (Ferns St. Aidan’s)
8. Charlie McGuckin (Naomh Éanna)

10. Seán Keane Carroll (Shelmaliers)
11. Ross Banville (Shelmaliers)
21. Jack Reck (Oylegate/Glenbrien)

15. Diarmuid Doyle (Marshalstown)
12. Conall Clancy (Faythe Harriers)
13. Seán O’Connor (Rathnure).

Subs:

19. Cian Fitzhenry (Duffry Rovers) for Murphy (44)
26. Oran Carthy (Rapparees) for O’Connor (58).

Referee: David Hughes (Carlow).

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BRIAN TURNBULL SENT over one of the scores of the game during Cork’s Munster U20 hurling quarter-final win over Limerick last night.

The corner-forward hit four points in Páirc Uí Rinn with the pick of those arriving in the 22nd minute.

Chasing the ball near the sideline, Turnbull prevented it from going out of play with his hurley before nut-megging his marker Conor Flahive with a neat flick from his right boot. 

It was Turnbull’s first championship game for Cork since the 2017 All-Ireland minor final.

The talented young forward was named Electric Ireland Minor Star Hurler of the Year at the end of 2017, notching 1-51 during an impressive campaign.

Turnbull tore his cruciate a week after the All-Ireland final defeat to Galway, which sidelined him for a lengthy period. 

The Rebels ran out seven-point winners, setting up a semi-final showdown with Clare.

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