IT IS with Limerick’s Leo O’Connor (Claughaun) at the helm that Offaly are on the return path as a hurling force, highlighted by an historic All-Ireland Under-20 Final defeat of Tipperary at a sold-out (25,825) Nowlan Park, Kilkenny.
Never before had Offaly won an All-Ireland at this grade (or at Under21).
Adam Screeney (0-12) and Dan Bourke led the challenge of the Faithful County.
In the wake of the massive victory, O’Connor was quick to mention his late father Seán, who refereed a couple of All-Ireland Senior Hurling Finals.
“He’s looking down on me tonight,” said O’Connor, who led his native Limerick to Munster Under-21 glory in 2011.
“I hope I did him proud and I hope I did my mother (Marie) proud. I’ve lost the both of them in the last five years. It’s been a tough road. I’m a proud Claughaun man and always will be. It’s just one of those things where it took me further afield.”
