Offaly Senior Footballers 2025

[SearingDrive]

As good a showing from Offaly as we have had in a long time in the league. Only thing that tops that over last 10 years is the Meath championship win 2 years ago.

Massive turnaround from last year and it appears to have been a masterstroke to pull in Harte at this stage. The team has evolved massively from last year and through the league in that we have Dunican back in goals. Bracken and McDaid have come into full back line. Hayes has really stepped up in MF. Kyle Higgins and Shane Tierney have made an impact also after being left out last year, while others have also come into fold in Bourke, Leavy Diarmuid Egan and probably a couple more. That is a good few and obviously Harte's experience has obviously added to how we are moving.

The mood in the camp was questioned earlier and legitimately so after some poor results in challenge games on back of last years annus horribilis and question marks over who would be in starting team or left off at start of year. I am more than delighted things have worked out and the mood seems to have turned around massively on back of 5 wins and almost certain promotion next weekend.

As for today, It was absolutely brilliant and credit to players and management against a fancied Kildare who were both bigger, stronger and even looked more athletic than our lads today. But we totally outplayed them and won on merit with much better footballers than them. For our size disadvantages we more than made up for it with footballing nous.

Kildare had mountains of ball in 2nd half and went sideways and backwards when there was clear shooting opportunities. If I was from Kildare i'd be disgusted with their inability to just have a go for a longer range score with the wind. But we stayed with them and when chips were down our superior football ability and no shortage of pace and skill shone through.

Dunican was excellent under high ball. Jimmy Hyland threatened to come alive in second half but our backs shut him and others down and they must have made at least 3 forward subs before game ended. Bracken was solid and McDaid and Pearson were excellent going forward setting up and getting involved in attacks. No substitute for speed. McDaid did brilliantly for the penalty and is a great bit of stuff for his size.

The Egans at 5 and 7 were huge also going forward and they had massive influence on result but Cormac Egans attemts at blocking Kildares point shots in second half was inspiring and he left everything on pitch - so much so, I was surprised he played out to the end when he looked absolutely boll***d. It was as good a wing back display as I've seen in a while. Ruairis finish for goal was class but the build up from the back in right corner back spot was outstanding.

Furlong was solid without being spectacular and it is great to have him back. We broke even in midfield against bigger men and I'd say Jordan Hayes won his battle and was very clever in controlling the game in the last 10 minutes.

Jordan Hayes was brilliant today in 2nd half and was one of our best, and led by example. McEvoy had a right good game too and came up with some really big plays in last 20 minutes when game was in melting pot.

Keith O Neill wasnt as influential as he was in earlier games but was still a solid 7.5/10 and I was surprised he was taken off as soon as he was. He scored a great point in second half that was most certainly over as I was directly behind it but somehow the umpire waved it wide. Cathal Flynn was excellent and this was his best game yet for seniors i'd say. Must be a nightmare to mark for opposition 6 as he can go left or right and turn on a sixpence. Kyle Higgins was very solid again and really dug out midfield when they needed it at times in second half.

Inside, Hyland was really alive throughout and you could see a good chemistry developing there with Tierney and Bryant and they never got in each others way despite often starting runs in around the same area. Hyland is such a scoring threat from close in and from distance and has grown into one of the best forwards in Leinster over the last two years. His two pointer capability are a large part of why we are top of the league. Bryant didnt do much scoring but he was busy and showed very well to link the play in a way he wasnt doing much of in other games. Thought Tierney was a real thorn in Kildares side today and without scoring hugely, I felt he was really central to our scoring and must have created at least 1-3 or 1-4 for us doing brilliantly for Egan's goal. He showed constantly for the ball and is a nightmare to mark. In second half the referee should have given him at least one free as he was constantly being held inside by full back when we were looking to feed in the ball.

Our bench is getting stronger with Aaron Leavy back in fold now, he will be pushing for a championship start. Diarmuid Egan, C Bourke, R McNamee and D Dempsey will also have a major job getting back in the team now which is great for squad competition. Gallagher and Sawyer appear to have slipped down pecking order and with lads returning from injury in next few weeks, there is now real competition to get into the match day 26.

I was delighted to see us playing so well and getting a well deserved result against a very well rated Kildare outfit. So many of our players played so well when it mattered and the prize and result is massive. A good showing next week will see us getting up which is what I felt we should be aiming for at the start of the year. Brilliant day for Offaly football fans. Well done lads.

A huge change from last year. The influence of Mickey Harte, and the squad revision by Declan Kelly have delivered a team playing with purpose and skill.

[Cheddar]

Right let’s do this review.

Going into today I had a championship feeling. The crowd was huge and there was no getting in out out of Tullamore today. That’s what you want. That’s what this team deserve.

I’ve been thinking about the game all week and knew we wouldn’t allow for Kildare to get a head start like Fermanagh and Leitrim. I wasn’t afraid of Kildare. I expected a defeat but knew we could beat them. I didn’t expect 6 points.

Dunican was very confident under the high ball. He seems to have become a more confident and consistent goalkeeper. That is first and foremost his job. In 2019, he often struggled with kick outs towards the end of a game and allowed pressure to be put on. That didn’t happen today and hasn’t happened much at all this year. Kick-outs are far improved and we have finally developed players who can win a high or breaking ball.

Pearson is a shining light and an example to all young players. Hard work, determination and a positive attitude will get you far. A leader. Quality attacker and represents the county so well. Consistent.

Bracken got in decent positions when we needed to hold possession. Carried the ball well, did the simple things well. Calm and assured.

McDaid is quality. I’ve rated him highly with Tullamore and he showed what he’s capable of today. Drives forward like Cormac Egan and is so direct. His runs were incredibly intelligent. I adore a player who runs into space, who loves a counter attack. McDaid is that. Need to see more defensively but there’s potential there.

Rory Egan playing in his natural position. He made lots of runs forward and got great scores or assists in recent years playing at WB. Keep him there.

Furlong is another wonderful example to young players. He works his arse off all game and has an amazing engine. I don’t know if he’s a Centre Back but he’s so useful in the turnover.

Cormac Egan. Need I say more.

McEvoy is one I still have questions over. What I will say is he does play the game well with Jordan. He is taking less risks and that’s a sign of his maturity after a few seasons with the squad. I do think he needs a strong midfield partner to get the best out of him.

Hayes is vital and our game is lead by his running and work effort. Maturity personified. He’s stepped up to the mantle.

Higgins was good under a high ball and it’s a skill we need. It’s been a huge problem for years and he did well today. Good replacement for Cillian Bourke.

Cathal Flynn is becoming vital in this team. Reminds me a lot of Ruairí McNamee in that he’s the link man. He dictates the play. He wants the ball and he’ll always be looking for the pass, the simple ball, the man moving out from the square. He doesn’t need to score, he’s the playmaker.

O’Neill was unlucky with the tackle after the Kildare lost kickout. Probably should have been taken off then as he was clearly not 100% after. Still scored important points.

Dylan Hyland is a player. The talent is there to see. Our most important forward. He can sometimes make the wrong decision. The kick off the ground on left hand side in the 2nd Half and the narrow show from the left also. Those came when we needed a score. Look it’s minor criticism. He scored 1-9 and thankfully is less involved in the argy bargy. A beautiful left foot and the confidence to boot. Vital.

Bryant is looking for confidence and consistency. His link up play is good and his decision making is improving. All I think he needs is a Hyland type performance. A goal and a few points would ignite him. He’s capable of a 1-4 type game. Hopefully we see that soon as we do need more high scoring forwards.

Tierney took a while to get into the game, but did well when he did. His over the head point was superb thinking and his link up play got better and better as the game went on. A player who was on-off the panel a few times. Never nailed down a start. He’s been tipping away nicely now with 5 starts in a row.

Subs:
Aaron Leavy was immense. Won high ball when we needed it. Blocked down a shot when we needed it. Always a player I thought could offer something in midfield, but never got a consistent run. Was not even on the 26 originally. Give him a chance is what I’d say. Again we need players who can win a ball in midfield. We don’t have a lot of height. He ticks those boxes.

Nigel Dunne always makes me happy when I see him come on. No he isn’t scoring 5 points but he settles us down. We lost so much experience in the off season. We need his steadiness. Does the basics when we need the basics.

Look I can praise them all till the cows come home. I’m an optimist. These players will not be perfect every game, but today shows us the potential players they can be. All we want is consistency. Our game management has been outstanding when we have a lead. We do appear more confident.

I think Clare will put it up to us. It’s a narrow pitch and it’s not a forgone conclusion, but I do expect a narrow win due to our confidence. Please

[Superhans75]

Working today so I'm in great spirts and triple time helps Lol
We must concentrate on Clare game
We have all the hard work done but still have a shoelace untied .
Remember the championship is only 4 weeks away
So got to stay injury free as well.
Cormac Egan yesterday played one his best game he is some player to read the game
Probably could do with a bit of protection because the big boys will target him
But that's for the management to decide.
Hopefully you all have a good week.
Ennis Ahoy !

[Cheddar]

Bit of a mad stat here.

Offaly are in joint second with Monaghan for goals scored in the league with 11 goals

Offaly are in joint first with Galway, Donegal, Kerry, and Wexford for goals conceded, with just 3 goals going into Offaly’s net.

Impressive stuff

[kingscounty]

Best win for the footballers in a long time, every player worked their socks off. Our movement with the ball created some great scores, our defence did as much attacking as they did defending, McDaid getting fouled for the penalty and straight away back in his roll at corner back. I thought Kildare made a lot of subs while they were moving ok at the time, and the game was in the balance, while we only made two changes and one which was coming towards the end.
I think we should head to Clare and take care of business without the need for score difference or other results,

[JimBwobb]

Fantastic coaching analysis of our team last weekend:

https://x.com/amullencoaching/status/19 ... xRNyQ&s=19

[Offaly Hero]

Fantastic coaching analysis of our team last weekend:

https://x.com/amullencoaching/status/19 ... xRNyQ&s=19

Some comparison with what we had seen over the last few years with Offaly routinely getting bogged down on the opponents 45 and resorting to lateral hand passing over and back. In addition to coaching, the new rules are a big change and suit our team which has pace in abundance.

[ah lethimoutwithit]

Great win and performance, particularly second half. First half, Kildare picked their way quite easily through us and with 10 mins gone in second half they probably fell into the trap of thinking the job was done.

Plenty of analysis on the change in performance and mindset and without doubt Mickey Harte has brought his experience and knowledge to bare here.
He rejuvenated Louth and noone can say but that we were at a low ebb after the Tailteann cup campaign. Time will tell as to the impact that this has had on Declan Kellys coaching and managing skillset. It can only be positive. And in fairness he deserved the support so should be a win win for the county.

One concern was that we turned to an elder statesman and took a punt on Leavy who hadn't been setting the worl d on fire anf suspension issues. Both did really well.
Concerned about the depth and to many that I have spoken to we are depending on David Dempsey, Ruairi Mc and Cillian Bourke along with the 2 introduced.
However thats not a bad situation overall considering the retirements and lads not brought in or dropping themselves.
Its a fantastic sign of the fitness level achieved by this groups over the winter that they were able to keep going to the end.

So to get up to Div 2 would be massive and there will be an introduction of fresh faces I'm sure when the clubs get going with the new rules and there will be a number of players that this will suit so the winter decision making will be interesting. There are a few lads on that panel now that have a long way to go to reach the standard set on Sunday. Will they get a chance? It appears that they will have to prove themselves with their clubs.

I would have been pessimistic about the chances this season when looking at the panel, and delighted to have been proven wrong and hopefully we can keep the positive vibe going through and beyond the league and after the Meath game.
Credit where its due to all concerned.

[faithfulfanatic]

Game versus Clare is available on TG4 player this Sunday

[llkj]

Speaking of TG4 and TV, is there anywhere that you can see highlights of the game from last Sunday?

I know it wasn't featured on TG4 on Monday night or League Sunday (AFAIK), but is there any online clips from the match?

With the advent of clubber and other streaming services, it seems strange that I can watch a schools first round tie on a Tuesday on some back pitch somewhere, but can't see a 5 min package of a high profile match anywhere.

[Kevin]

Fantastic coaching analysis of our team last weekend:

https://x.com/amullencoaching/status/19 ... xRNyQ&s=19

Thanks for sharing.

Very detailed and easy to understand.

[llkj]

I completely missed the above link when posting my question about video highlights. This was great.

I listened on the radio and it sounded like the Offaly penalty was soft, but based on the clip, it looked legit.

Some good scores.

[Anonymous1]

Speaking of TG4 and TV, is there anywhere that you can see highlights of the game from last Sunday?

I know it wasn't featured on TG4 on Monday night or League Sunday (AFAIK), but is there any online clips from the match?

With the advent of clubber and other streaming services, it seems strange that I can watch a schools first round tie on a Tuesday on some back pitch somewhere, but can't see a 5 min package of a high profile match anywhere.

All 71 seconds of our highlights from League Sunday below.

https://youtu.be/RnoNYkbdU5Y?si=Y0Q7eXjgPEGUlmGM

[Kevin]

I listened on the radio and it sounded like the Offaly penalty was soft, but based on the clip, it looked legit.

A picture’s worth a thousand words. A video - more.

Agree … Penalty.

[ryot]

A picture’s worth a thousand words. A video - more.

Agree … Penalty.
[/quote]

Yes obvious peno but what was a mystery to many was the free we got after Masterson caught kick out on his chest and ref gave us a free ....... Some players, on both sides seemed surprised and a few stood up with us benefitting from a few Kildare lads stnding still !!!! So what was that free for ?????????