Offaly stand tall throughout in getting over Dublin in Leinster U-20 hurling semi-final

Offaly 1-19 Dublin 2-12

A total of 1-09 from Charlie Mitchell may take the headlines, but a stunning defensive display was the key ingredient as Offaly powered past Dublin in the Leinster U-20 hurling championship semi-final, a result which leaves them with a shot next week to win a first provincial title at this grade since 2000.

Over 6,000 supporters were in Glenisk O’Connor Park tonight as momentum continues to build in the Faithful County, at both senior and U-20 level. And while Offaly conceded the first score to a good point from Dublin senior panellist Diarmaid Ó Dúlaing, Leo O’Connor’s troops settled in well, using the very strong breeze that blew at their backs.

The absence of mercurial inside forward Adam Screeney was a serious blow, but Joe Hoctor stepped up to the mark with two fine points, Colin Spain potted two from distance in the first half, and by the 12th minute, Offaly were 0-5 to 0-1 to the good, and looking like the stronger team.

Dublin struck a huge blow when Ollie Gaffney showed a great forward’s instinct to chase down a shot from Ó Dúlaing that hung in the breeze and get a decisive touch, with Neil Clerkin also putting pressure on Mark Troy under the dropping sliotar, and it took the home side a while to recover from that.

Charlie Mitchell struck three frees just before half-time to make it 0-12 to 1-4, but the question on everyone’s lips at the interval was whether or not that lead would be adequate. Once Dublin knocked over three points in the first three minutes after the restart, the answer to that question looked like it would be a negative one.

Offaly dug their heels in defensively however, with Sam Bourke putting in a totemic performance at centre back to lead the way and a huge collective