Carlow land Joe McDonagh in most dramatic circumstances

For the second year in a row, the Joe McDonagh Cup final delivered a truly memorable encounter that provided absolutely everything – individual heroics, drama, controversy, a momentous comeback, a last ditch winner, bitter heartbreak, and of course delirium for Carlow player and supporters, who earned their return to the Leinster hurling championship.

Over the course of the full 90 minutes, it was a victory that was probably just about deserved, though there weren't too many would have gambled on that outcome after 14-man Offaly reeled off four points in a row to send the tie to extra-time.

As it was over the course of the 70 minutes however, Carlow’s accuracy contrasted sharply with Offaly’s profligacy throughout extra time, in no small part because their greater physical strength and ball-winning ability close to goal meant that they created a better calibre of scoring chance.

It was appropriate that when it came down to stoppage time at the end of the 90 minutes, Carlow won by way of a Chris Nolan point where the big Mount Leinster Rangers man won his own ball and knocked over a close range score after breaking the tackle, while Offaly generated a long-ball effort from midfield that ultimately saw Adrian Cleary come close, but not close enough – recording their 24th wide of the afternoon.

Right from the start, this was a contest that caught fire.

Offaly’s Charlie Mitchell won possession from the first attack and held off a robust tackle before batting the ball to the net, but it was a lead that Offaly needed, as they were taking on water.

Carlow were winning possession easier, creating good chances, and three times they forced Stephen Corcoran to make excellent saves. Martin Kavanagh picked off some majestic points and