Laois 0-23 Offaly 1-24

This was the 38th Allianz League meeting between these two midland neighbours and Laois were hoping to claim back to back victories together for the fist time in 50 years.

Offaly made eight changes from the team that lined out at the same venue against Tipperary in the All-Ireland qualifiers last July.

Laois made just four changes from their championship defeat by Waterford in Walsh Park last June and also made sweeping changes from the team that exited to Dublin in this year’s Walsh Cup semi-final.

Conditions in O’Moore Park were perfect for hurling and Offaly raced into an early lead thanks to the accuracy of Shane Dooley. Laois roared back and went in front after 20 minutes but Offaly pulled away again with a string of points by Shane Ryan and Shane Kinsella to lead 0-14 to 0-11 at the interval

Shane Dooley then posted a goal from a free after thirty eight minutes and Laois were reduced to fourteen players, Tom Delaney being sent off midway through the second half.

Despite this set back Laois hit back with a succession of points by Cha Dwyer and Zane Keenan but two missed penalties by Keenan one was saved at the expense of a sixty five and then three minutes from time with three points separating the teams the Offaly keeper made a brilliant save and that was the last chance for the O’Moores and was to give the visitors their first points.

LAOIS: E Rowland; J A Delaney, C Healy, B Stapleton; J Fitzpatrick, M Whelan, T Delaney; J Campion (0-1), P Purcell (0-1); W Hyland (0-3), T Fitzgerald, C Dwyer (0-6); N Foyle (0-2), Z Keenan (0-10), R King.

Subs: D Palmer for T Fitzgerald (57 mins), P J Scully for J Campion (59 mins), B Conroy for R King (65 mins).

OFFALY: J Dempsey; P Camon, D Shortt, S Egan; E Nolan, C Egan, D Mooney; J Bergin (0-2), S Ryan (0-2); P Murphy (0-2), S Kinsella (0-3), D Currams; S Dooley (1-14), P Murphy, S Quirke.

Subs: C Kiely (0-1) for D Mooney (56 mins).

Referee: Alan Kelly (Galway).