'The Offaly Rover' rang around Laois Hire O'Moore Park after Offaly retained their Leinster U20HC title with a 1-18 to 1-15 victory over Dublin last night.
Shane Rigney's third goal in two games proved decisive as the Faithful rattled off 1-4 on the spin before half-time to lead 1-7 to 0-8 after playing against the strong wind. But Dublin refused the yield and missed a glorious chance to get themselves back into it when senior star Diarmaid Ó Dúlaing's penalty was saved by Liam Hoare. The Carrig & Riverstown goalkeeper also pulled off a vital penalty save in Offaly's one-point semi-final win over Kilkenny last week.
Ó Dúlaing pointed the resultant '65 and added another, but points in reply from Donal Shirley and Dan Bourke kept the Dubs at arm's length until substitute Conn Rock's injury-time goal - which came between two separate pitch invasions from young Offaly supporters - left Leo O'Connor's side hanging on for the win.
The magical Adam Screeney top-scored with 0-9 for the Faithful who can now start preparing for an All-Ireland final against either Cork or Tipperary in Nowlan Park on Saturday week (throw-in 7.15pm).
25 nóim, #DUBvOFF @DubGAAOfficial 0:07@Offaly_GAA 1:05
— Spórt TG4 (@SportTG4) May 22, 2024
Féach ar an draíocht seo! 🤩
Adam Screeney with the point of the day, from the tightest of angles!
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Tweet#DUBvOFF
— Spórt TG4 (@SportTG4) May 22, 2024
Bronnadh an corn ar chaptaen Uíbh Fhailí, Dan Bourke🏆🥳
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