UNDER the astute management of Limerick’s Leo O’Connor, Offaly stunned Kilkenny (2-17 to 2-16) in the semi-final of the Leinster Under-20 Hurling Championship at a packed O’Connor Park, Tullamore.
Provincial minor champions in 2022 and Under-20 winners last year, Offaly are again headline grabbers, with former county performer O’Connor (Claughaun) once more at the helm.
Offaly now face Dublin in next weekend’s final.
Wing forward Shane Rigney stepped into the breach to produce an outstanding performance, scoring 2-3 on a night when Adam Screeney was accurate from frees, but the real heroes for Offaly were in defence, where Rúairí Kelly, Brecon Kavanagh and Donal Shirley were excellent.
Behind them, Liam Hoare made a string of outstanding saves, including a vital penalty stop.
O’Connor previously managed under-age teams in Limerick, including a side that won the Munster Under-21 Championship of 2011.
He is also a well-respected hurling analyst on Limerick’s Live 95, and provided co-commentary for the station on the weekend win over Cork in the Munster Senior Hurling Championship.
