Offaly heading to Croke Park after ending New York journey

A fast moving and purposeful Offaly side had things all their own way as they coasted to an easy win over visitors New York in the Tailteann Cup quarter-final in Tullamore on Saturday afternoon.

The American visitors, playing a football championship match in Ireland for the first time since 2001, gave it their best shot and competed quite well for much of the first half, when playing against a strong wind. However, from the start it was clear that there would be no upset and once Offaly began to find real form coming up to half time, the only issue at stake was their winning margin.

While they will be very aware of the shortcomings of New York – their tackling was particularly suspect in the first half - it was an impressive win by Offaly and they are now moving well. They have shown real intent for the Tailteann Cup and are clearly determined to salvage something from their season.

They have also improved with each outing, surviving on their wits in Wexford, playing better against Wicklow last weekend and this was another step forward. They will now relish the opportunity of a semi-final in Croke Park while the four games they will get – and possibly one more – will be a great help to their younger players in particular.

Fielding a number of the 2021 All-Ireland under-21 football champions here, Offaly did show clay feet for a spell in the first half and took their time about putting New York away. A 10th-minute Keith O'Neill goal gave them a 1-03 to 0-01 lead but New York showed great character after this.

They worked hard all over the field while Jack Reilly had a super first half, scoring four of their points, three from play. His 29th minute free left them trailing by 1-07 to 0-05 and New York were the happier side at