Offaly’s first game in Division 2A of the National Hurling League for over a decade turned out to be a nervous affair as they had to hold off a strong fightback from Meath in Birr.

The visit of Pope Francis to Knock at the end of August has impacted on club championship matches in Mayo.

Offaly 2-25 Dublin 1-15: Talisman forward Shane Dooley crowned his 100th Offaly appearance with 1-5 as the Faithful County pulled off a surprise Allianz hurling league win.