frankthetank wrote: ↑Thu Mar 31, 2022 9:59 pm
Niall McNamee’s championship debut for Offaly came on May 25th 2003 vs Laois in Portlaoise.
To the best of my knowledge He started the game even though not named on the original 15. (A rare enough occurrence in those days).
The game finished 1-12 apiece with Laois going onto win the replay 2-10 to 0-13 a week later in a dilapidated O’Connor Park. This gave Laois their first win over Offaly in 13 years.
Correct Frank, Offaly were in front, but a controversial goal, it was reported on the day, from Michael Lawlor, gave The O’Moore County, a draw. Niall McNamee, still in school, lined out for Offaly. I met the said Michael, a few years later in Portarlington.
In the replay at Tullamore, a young Ross Munnelly, helped Laois beat Offaly. I think he may still be playing club football, with one of the Arles sides, Kilcruise, or Killeen.
Two players who won little in the game, apart from the honour of wearing their respective county jersies, with pride.