A woeful start for Dublin.
But just as woeful as it was for Dublin, it was as uplifting for an Offaly hurling following, that let’s be honest, have been crying out for a good lift from their hurlers.
13 points separated the sides by the final whistle. It was a 13 point cushion that Offaly richly deserved. It was a 13 point hiding that Dublin had coming their way.
Because Pat Gilroy’s men were second best in every aspect of hurling in Croke Park on Saturday night in their own back yard. The Dubs were minus some of their big names, but still, this was an abysmal start to their league campaign.
Michael Duignan summed it up. This could be the start of something.
I know it's only January, I know it's only the league, I know Dublin hadn't a full team, I know, I know, I know…..but I still have tears in my eyes. Kevin Martin is a man and his team played like men.
— Michael Duignan (@DuignanMichael) January 27, 2018
Let’s focus on Offaly, though, because the Faithful county deserve exactly that. Offaly must be sick of being down. Their hurlers must be bloody sick of losing and being told hurling is dead in the county.
They played like they were. They played like men possessed. Led by Kinnitty’s Shane Kinsella, led by Belmont’s powerhouse of a youngster OisÃn Kelly. He’s a beast at corner forward, and from the moment he skinned his man with the very first ball that came his way after three minutes to score an early point, the tone was set.
An hour and a half later, he was picking up the man-of-the-match award. His tone was the same. His message was the same.
“The work we’ve put in, we fear no-one.”
"The work we've put in, we fear no one" – Oisin Kelly spoke to @AnnaGCork after his Man of the Match display at Croke Park. #AllianzLeagues #MatchNightLive pic.twitter.com/wmarzzss84
— eir Sport (@eirSport) January 27, 2018
Led by Kilcormac stalwart Daniel Currams. Joe Bergin chipped in well. Damien Egan is a true team player, and he sprayed the ball around brilliantly from half forward.
Paddy Delaney at corner back may be small in stature, but by Jesus he’s big in heart. This Offaly team were big in heart in Croke Park.
They ran at Dublin from the word go. They showed them absolutely no respect. They were hungrier and much more physical. Colin Egan at centre forward – he may not be the most skilful hurler in the game, but he never stopped trying and ran himself into the ground for Kevin Martin, for the green, white and gold cause.
In truth, Dublin never laid a finger on them. Now let’s talk about Dublin, they were off the pace. Their hurling was slow and weary.
WATCH:
Full-time highlights as Offaly produce a fantastic display to beat Dublin in the opening game of their #AllianzLeagues campaign. #MatchNightLive pic.twitter.com/htupD6lINv— eir Sport (@eirSport) January 27, 2018
Watch the highlights here. They really are worth watching for Offaly heads.
