Faithful Fields a sign of brighter future for Offaly

In the years between 1970 and 2000 Offaly won seven senior All-Irelands – four in hurling and three in football.

It was entirely out of keeping with the history of the GAA that a county numbering fewer that 60,000 people should enjoy a sustained period of success in either football or hurling, let alone in both codes.

The fall from such heights has been steep. Over the last decade and more, the GAA in Offaly has stagnated and has been pulled asunder by infighting and corrosive criticism.