Offaly u20 2021

A forum to air your views on Offaly GAA matters and beyond.
JimBwobb
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Re: Offaly u20 2021

Post by JimBwobb »

Just in the door...
What a fucking day !!!!!!

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mynamesjeff
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Re: Offaly u20 2021

Post by mynamesjeff »

JimBwobb wrote: Sun Aug 15, 2021 10:26 pm Just in the door...
What a fucking day !!!!!!
What.
A.
Day.

Thank you to that bunch of players and management for giving us that.

ALL IRELAND CHAMPIONS

Such a feel good factor. Nah, it’s better than good!


Will O’Callaghan on Twitter:
“ Few bits from Offaly chairman Michael Duignan

- Wants to have six more coaching officers in place by next month, 2-3 more by January

- John Maughan close to reappointment

- Hurling manager Michael Fennelly helped with the match day prep for today”


I love Offaly

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the Untouchable
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Re: Offaly u20 2021

Post by the Untouchable »

Just wanted to say a massive congratulations to the Offaly players and Management.
Was incredibly proud of the effort and the skill that the players showed out there yesterday, but even more importantly I loved the approach the players had to the game, even when the lead got down to 2 points with a few minutes to go, there wasn't a dirty strike off the ball or a cynical foul committed, and Roscommon to their credit were the exact same.
Compared to the way that the Dublin seniors played for the majority of the game on Saturday evening. I look at this Offaly team coming through and hope that they never sink to those levels to try and win a game, the way that the Dublin team was lauded at the end of the game by Tomas O'Se etc for shaking hands with the Mayo lads having literally assaulted some of them on the field was nothing short of a disgrace.

The fact that with more on the line, Offaly continued to play the game in the right way and really at times, especially in that 3rd quarter played some truly wonderful football is a credit to themselves, the management and the coaching these players would have gotten down through the years.

I don't know how many of these lads would be underage next year for U20, but hopefully we can continue to stay highly competitive at this level and give these lads a year or 2 to fill out and be ready to make the step to senior county football.
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Re: Offaly u20 2021

Post by Buttons »

What a fantastic win yesterday, a huge congratulations to all involved past and present in getting to the position we are in. It’s a huge boost especially for those too young to remember the glory days of the 90s in croke park. Lads who in other years wouldn’t bother committing will give 110% in the hope of playing in an all Ireland final.

As for the game the heart wasn’t the best at the end, I feel we got a lot of the lucky breaks on the day ie Roscommon not scoring the goals early, ref blowing up just when we were dispossessed and then one or two of their players going off injured. All this doesn’t matter as we won the game well in the third quarter.

It was great seeing the big crowd and shows the huge support we give when things are going well, enjoy the celebrations, well deserved. What a boost to sport in the county and then to hear Michael talking about his future plans shows a promising few years hopefully.

Come on Offaly.

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Bord na Mona man
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Re: Offaly u20 2021

Post by Bord na Mona man »

Offaly see off late Roscommon rally to claim EirGrid U20 All-Ireland football title

https://www.independent.ie/sport/gaelic ... 53700.html

Michael Verney

August 15 2021 03:17 PM

Offaly secured their first All-Ireland title of any description since 1998 when their U-20 footballers finished a sensational season in style to defeat Roscommon in the decider at Croke Park this afternoon.

There were heroes all over the pitch in green, white and gold but it was Jack Bryant's second-half goal that ultimately proved the difference as Declan Kelly's side held off a late Roscommon rally to win their first final at this grade since 1988.

It was also a victory that pleased Faithful native and professional golfer Shane Lowry, who was in Croke Park for the famous victory. The TG4 footage below shows the Clara man, who has recently come on board as a sponsor of Offaly GAA, celebrating in the stands.

https://twitter.com/SportTG4/status/1426924884857348102

It was all Offaly on the scoreboard in the early exchanges as they raced into a 0-3 to nil lead with Morgan Tynan, Cormac Egan and Bryant firing over points but that didn't tell the whole story.

Roscommon breached the Offaly defence on a handful of occasions with James Fitzpatrick denied a goal by Offaly goalkeeper Seán O'Toole as he got a strong right hand to his shot to prevent a green flag.

Darragh Heneghan also saw his goal chance trail wide at the near post, but the Rossies were level midway through the half as Daire Cregg pointed before Adam McDermott and Ben O'Carroll (free) levelled affairs.

A Tynan '45 had Offaly one up at the first water break, 0-4 to 0-3, as the Faithful reeled off four points in succession through the brilliant Cathal O'Donoghue and two superb points from Aaron Kellaghan, son of former Offaly star Paschal.

Roscommon finished the better before half-time, though, as Cregg (free) and O'Carroll sent over points to leave just two in it, 0-7 to 0-5.

Offaly were six ahead by the second water break as they assumed control with Bryant and Donoghue firing over superb points as they limited the Rossies to two scores during this period and put themselves in pole position, 0-13 to 0-7.

Roscommon battled back to cut the gap to four at the start of the fourth quarter but an emphatic finish from Bryant sent the Faithful wild as his 50th-minute goal left them with a seven-point cushion, 1-13 to 0-10.

That looked like game, set and match but the Rossies hung in with a point from Charlie Carthy before McDermott fired beautify to the net in the 56th minute with another sub Jason Doory following up with another point to leave just two in it.

Tynan settled Offaly nerves with an injury-time free as Croke Park exploded upon hearing the final whistle. The Faithful are back.

Scorers – Offaly: J Bryant 1-2, M Tynan 0-4 (2f, 1 '45), A Kellaghan 0-4 (1m), C Egan, C Donoghue 0-2 each. Roscommon: A McDermott 1-2, D Cregg 0-5 (3f), B O'Carroll 0-2 (0-1f), C Carthy, J Doory 0-1 each.

Offaly: S O'Toole; T Hyland, L Pearson, A Brazil; R Egan, J Furlong, F Dempsey; E Cullen, M Tynan; C Flynn, O Keenan Martin, C Donoghue; C Egan, J Bryant, A Kellaghan. Subs: K O'Neill for Kellaghan (48), K Dolan for Brazil (58).

Roscommon: C Carroll; C Lohan, C Walsh, D Gaughan; P Gavin, R Fallon, J Lohan; T Crean, K Doyle; R Dolan, D Cregg, J Fitzpatrick; A McDermott, B O'Carroll, D Heneghan. Subs: C Carthy for Fitzpatrick temp (40), S Trundle for Crean (41), D Wynne for J Lohan (46), J Doory for Dolan (48), J O'Malley for Gaughan inj (51).

Referee: S Hurson (Tyrone).

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Bord na Mona man
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Re: Offaly u20 2021

Post by Bord na Mona man »

Offaly land All-Ireland U20 title after thrilling win over Roscommon

https://www.the42.ie/offaly-roscommon-a ... 0-Aug2021/

Declan Kelly’s side survived a late Roscommon fightback to seal their first title at the U20/U21 grade since 1988.

Kevin O'Brien
Reports from Croke Park

Offaly 1-14
Roscommon 1-11
THE FAITHFUL RESURGENCE continues.

Offaly sealed the county’s first All-Ireland title since 1998 after surviving a nervy finale to beat Roscommon in the EirGrid U20 football decider.

Jack Byrant’s 50th minute goal left Offaly 1-13 to 0-9 in front, before Roscommon launched a spirited fightback in the closing stages. Adam McDermott hit the net to set-up a grandstand finish, but Offaly held their nerve.

It sealed the Faithful’s first title at the U-20/U-21 grade in 33 years.

In his fourth season charge, Declan Kelly led Offaly to the promised land, franking all the recent talk of development in the county. Shane Lowry celebrated in the crowd as chants of ‘Uibh Fhaile’ rang around Croke Park amid joyous scenes at the full-time whistle.

It was a deserved victory for Offaly, who had leaders all over the pitch. John Furlong, grandson of three-time All-Ireland winner Martin, was immense in defence and made several vital interceptions over the hour.

Morgan Tynan was solid at midfield, while attackers Cathal Flynn, Jack Bryant, Cormac Egan and Aaron Kelleghan all made decisive contributions. Cathal Donoghue had a wonderful second-half in particular, winning a pair of pivotal marks at midfield when the game was hanging in the balance in the final quarter.

Roscommon will leave Croke Park rueing several missed goal chances in the opening period. Adam McDermott and Daire Cregg carried the scoring burden, scoring 1-7 between them for the Connacht champions.

Ultimately, Offaly’s win was built on a five unanswered scores between the 36th and 45th minute that pushed them six clear. The decision to withdraw Kellaghan on 48 minutes was a curious one after he had kicked four points, but his replacement Keith O’Neill immediately set-up Bryant’s goal that put Offaly in the driving seat.

After a Leinster final win over Dublin and All-Ireland semi-final defeat of Cork, Offaly carried the favourites tag into this final but handled it well.

They raced into a three point lead inside the opening eight minutes. Kelly’s side started the game on the front foot with Cormac Egan and Lee Pearson making incisive runs at the Rossie defence.

Roscommon came into the game as the half went on. James Fitzpatrick forced Sean O’Toole into an excellent save, Daire Cregg eventually opened their account in the 10th minute.

Tom Hyland made a diving foot block to deny Darragh Heneghan a goal, but with Adam McDermott looking dangerous, Roscommon were level by the 15th minute.

Four points in quick succession between the 18th and 28th minute put the Faithful back in charge. Rhode clubman Kellaghan, son of former Offaly star Pascal, curled over two excellent scores during that spell, although his team were living dangerously at the far end.

Pearson cleared off the line to deny Charlie Carthy a goal as scores from Cregg (free) and Ben O’Carroll brought Roscommon to within two by the interval.

Kelleghan hit his third immediately after the restart from an advanced mark, but a point off either foot from Cregg brought Roscommon to within a single point. Offaly reeled off five unanswered in a devastating nine-minute spell, including one apiece from the full-forward line trio of Egan, Byrant and Kelleghan.

Egan’s direct running caused constant problems for the Roscommon defence and he broke forward on the county only to see his strike on goal saved by Conor Carroll.

O’Neill was introduced in the 48th minute moments later he created the first goal of the game. The substitute skinned his man and fed Bryant at the back post, who cooly dispatched to send Offaly seven clear.

Roscommon fought back with 1-2 as McDermott’s green flag set-up a tense finish.

Oisin Keenan Martin made a crucial turnover in the defence and his team played keep ball before Tynan’s late free sealed a famous win for Offaly

Scorers for Offaly: Jack Bryant 1-2, Morgan Tynan 0-4 (0-3f), Aaron Kelleghan 0-4 (0-1f), Cathal Donoghue and Cormac Egan 0-2 each.

Scorers for Roscommon: Daire Cregg (0-5 (0-3f), Adam McDermott 1-2, Ben O’Carroll 0-2 (0-1f), Charlie Carthy and Jason Doory 0-1 each.

Offaly
1. Sean O’Toole (Shamrocks)

2. Fionn Dempsey (Bracknagh) 3. Tom Hyland (Bracknagh) 4. Lee Pearson (Edenderry)

11. Oisin Keenan Martin (Tullamore)

5. Rory Egan (Edenderry) 6. John Furlong (Tullamore) 7. Aaron Brazil (Shannonbridge)

8. Ed Cullen (Clara) 9. Morgan Tynan (Ballinagar)

13. Cormac Egan (Tullamore) 10 Cathal Flynn (Ferbane) 12. Cathal Donoghue (Kilcormac- Killoughey)

14. Jack Bryant (Shamrocks) 15. Aaron Kellaghan (Rhode)

Subs

23. Keith O’Neill (Clonbullogue) for Kellaghan (48)

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17. Kieran Dolan (Shamrocks) for Brazil (58)

Roscommon
1 Conor Carroll (Oranmore/Maree)

2 Conor Lohan (Pádraig Pearses), 3 Colin Walsh (Oran), 4 Dylan Gaughan (Tulsk)

5 Patrick Gavin (Clann na nGael), 9 Ruaidhrí Fallon (St. Brigid’s), 7 Jack Lohan (St Dominic’s)

6 Tomás Crean (Creggs), 8 Keith Doyle (St. Dominic’s)

10 Robbie Dolan (St. Brigid’s), 12 Daire Cregg (Boyle), 11 James Fitzpatrick (Oran)

15 Darragh Heneghan (Michael Glaveys), 14 Ben O’Carroll (St. Brigid’s), 13 Adam McDermott (Castlerea St. Kevin’s)

Subs

22. Charlie Carthy (Oran) for Fitzpatrick (40)

17. Sean Trundle (St Brigid’s) for Crean (40)

19. David Wynne (Ballinameen) for Lohan (45)

18. Jason Doory (Eire Og) for Dolan (48)

20. Joseph O’Malley (Roscommon Gaels) for Gaughan (51)

21. Enda Crawley (Eire Og) for Heneghan (53)

Referee: Sean Hurson (Tyrone)

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Bord na Mona man
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Re: Offaly u20 2021

Post by Bord na Mona man »

Yesterday was an unexpected glory day for Offaly people as many of us assumed the possibility of challenging for honours was remote and distant in the future, if ever.

I remember growing up in the 80s and 90s Offaly were regularly up in Croke Park contending. In a year like 1998, Offaly played on 10 different match days in Croke Park.
Of the attendance of 24,000 yesterday, there was at least 15,000 Offaly supporters. It's a long time since anything approaching that number went to watch Offaly. I'd estimate it is 15 years since a match day special train pulled into Clara, Tullamore and Portarlington.

To see the gangs young fellas hitting the streets of Dublin, mad for drink, like we all did years ago. They wouldn't have been born when Offaly were last in the hunt for a trophy.

There is a definite feel good factor in the county right now. However there is also a recognition that there are lot of rungs on the ladder above us in senior hurling and football. This win in isolation would make a small improvement but our hope is that every up and coming Offaly underage group gets a boost from it.

But right now we in the county owe a huge amount to the group that powered to victory in Croke Park and the hundreds of people, seen and unseen who have assisted in getting them to the pinnacle. Every one of us will be walking a bit taller today when our heads finally clear.

biffinbanner
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Re: Offaly u20 2021

Post by biffinbanner »

twas a glory day for the faithful. as wonderful as it was unexpected. a lad remarked to me about all the pubs that closed since we were there last? maybe we were keeping them going for 20 years?!? thirsty biffos etc it was a great game of pure football as under 21/20 often is .the future might not be as bad as we thought. the light at the end of the tunnel might not be an oncoming train after all!

biffinbanner
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Re: Offaly u20 2021

Post by biffinbanner »

interesting interview here about building structures in Offaly youtu.be/My4-UjhxCNo

biffinbanner
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Re: Offaly u20 2021

Post by biffinbanner »

a happy offaly man!!

ryot
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Re: Offaly u20 2021

Post by ryot »

I can only CONGRATULATE all involved in Sunday's glorious win.

The team who were only brilliant, the backroom, the sponsors. the support staff and the County Board who take the flak so often but now deserve plaudits...

Then there were the Offaly supporters, in the Faithful thousands....... Hairs on the back of neck standing listening to the roar.

All brilliant.

The attitude of take them on, run at them and then kick the pass or kick the score so good to see.

This is one happy BIFFO''''''



PS: I needed my password to post and had a lot of trouble finding it but eventually found it.. Another delay in posting was that Monday was my Dad's anniversary. He got me started as a GAA fanatic, bringing me to Croke Park at age 4 and to an All Ireland age 10 and to hundreds of games all over Ireland. He would have been so proud of Offaly on Sunday.

offalyman
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Re: Offaly u20 2021

Post by offalyman »

To hear Uibh Fhaili Uibh Fhaili Uibh Fhaili shake the foundations of Croke park will live long in the memory … What a Game , What a team and What a day .. I was lucky enough to witness the great Offaly teams of the 90’s win big games in Croke park and I was delighted for the younger faithful supporters to witness a day like Sunday instead of listening to stories of the past. Very proud Offaly man well done again to all involved fantastic achievement

Doon Exile
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Re: Offaly u20 2021

Post by Doon Exile »

Anyone know who or how many are underage next year?
Doon exile....

first_touch
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Re: Offaly u20 2021

Post by first_touch »

From looking at an Offaly minor selection of two years ago Fionn Dempsey, Lee Pearson and Morgan Tynan as well as Cormac Delaney and Darragh Flynn, who were on the subs bench on Sunday, are eligible next year. And of course you have the four lads who were minor last year - John Furlong, Tom Hyland, Cormac Egan and Keith O'Neill. So effectively, of the starting team plus guys who featured regularly as subs, half of them are under 20 next year! There's also Luke Egan who opted to play with the Under 20 hurlers this year.

white grass
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Re: Offaly u20 2021

Post by white grass »

Delighted
Have a lot of thoughts but I'll try and limit it.
So happy for the management and backroom team, 7 or 8 guys who have each given close to 20 years to Offaly teams in different capacities.
Also the people who would have developed this team in their clubs, the Development Squads, in the S&C program and those who quietly put in place the structures to facilitate things, often taking dogs abuse in the process.
The lads themselves who have developed through competing well in Adam Mangan Tournament games and winning the Liam O'Connor Cup in 2019 and 2020. They have brought so much joy to so many people.
They did what many thought impossible and brought the whole county together. From Shinrone (even Moneygall in some cases) to Shannonbridge, from Lusmagh to the Bracknagh.
I met a man from the deep south of Offaly outside the Hogan Stand on Sunday evening. He told me he was there for the Down games in 60 and 61.
In 60 years, people will tell their grandchildren how they were there when an Offaly team and 15,000 supporters walked into Croke Park with masks on and burst out of it with and All Ireland, but they didn't steal it, they deserved every bit of it.
The flame never died, it was kept alive in Ruislip, in Fraher Field and Collooney, but its a little bit brighter this week and hopefully there are more good days to come.
I wont usually pay much attention to interviews but I was impressed by Decie Kelly's plea for patience after the game. These lads need time to develop into Senior Footballers and more importantly into men.
I hope as a county we give them that time.
The glow will fade, but we need to hold on to the positive energy for as long as possible.
I remember Stephen Darby preaching 'Ní neart go cur le chéile' there's no strength without unity.
At some stage in 2022 Offaly senior football and hurling teams will hit the wall.
What then, will we turn on each other or like those boys did with ten minute to go last Sunday will we hang together and grind it out.
The answer to that question will define whether last last Sunday was a passing flash or the flame from which many bonfires will be emerge in years to come.

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