Offaly sealed their return to Division 1 of the Allianz Hurling League after edging out Kildare by 0-24 to 1-18 in Portlaoise this afternoon.

Johnny Kelly’s men were made to overcome a sizzling start from the Lilywhites that saw the latter scoring 1-4 without reply in the space of five minutes, including Gerry Keegan’s well-taken goal.

The Faithful County responded well to it though as Eoghan Cahill (0-11) and Cillian Kiely shot points to keep them in touch and by half-time Keegan’s fifth minute strike was the difference, as the scoreboard read 1-11 to 0-11 in this derby decider.

Kiely and David Nally sailed points that had the margin at one within two minutes of the restart and Cahill finally brought them level again on 48 minutes with an expertly struck ‘65’.

Two more Cahill frees were backed up by Killian Sampson’s gem of a point and a Nally sideline puck made it 0-20 to 1-13 with a dozen minutes left on the clock.

Rian Boran, James Burke (2 frees) and David Qualter kept the heat on for David Herity’s side but Cahill’s deadly accuracy would get Offaly over the line, as they replace neighbours Laois in the Allianz Hurling League’s topflight next season.

Comhghairdeas to this very hard working and extremely honest group of players.

Well done, lads, super second half display today when the pressure came on.

Well done to Johnny Kelly, his selectors and all his back room team from all @Offaly_GAA 👏#TheFaithful #Belong pic.twitter.com/JRDaHh7JfH

— Official Offaly GAA (@Offaly_GAA) April 2, 2023

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