St Rynagh's are Offaly senior hurling champions for the first time since 1993 after edging out Birr by 2-16 to 1-15 at O'Connor Park today.

Goals from Joey O'Connor and 'man-of-the-match' Ronan Hughes helped Francis Forde's charges put the disappointment of recent final defeats well and truly behind them.

O'Connor's first-half strike boosted the winners to a 1-8 to 0-5 interval lead.

The contest was delicately poised entering the closing stages but Hughes' 58th minute green flag gave St Rynagh's some breathing space and they deservedly got their hands on the Sean Robbins cup.

After the celebrating comes to a close, the Faithful County champions will turn their attention to a Leinster SHC clash away to Wexford's Oulart-The Ballagh on Sunday week.

St Rynagh's - C Clancy; D Maloney, D Shortt, B Conneely; C Hernon, A Treacy, P Camon; G Kelly, R Hughes (1-4); S Dolan, G Conneely (0-1), S Wynne (0-6, 5f); M Maloney, S Quirke (0-3f), J O'Connor (1-2). Subs: N Wynne for M Maloney, G Scales for S Quirke, P Quirke for S Dolan.

Birr - B Mullins; M Verney, P Cleary, E Hayes; B Watkins, D Hayden, S Ryan (0-1); B Whelahan (0-1), B Harding (0-1); C Mulrooney (1-1), E Cahill (0-7f), R Hannify; B Murphy (0-1), C O'Callaghan, E Nolan (0-3). Subs: S Lonergan for C O'Callaghan, P Mullins for B Whelahan, D Watkins for E Cahill.

Referee - B Gavin.

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