GAA: Gaels’ title after second-half revival

O’Loughlin Gaels 0-15 Birr 0-9

The fifth of seven points from frees by Nigel Skehan, 11 minutes after the resumption, gave the Kilkenny side the lead for the first time and, more significantly, the confidence to impose their will on the game.

True to character, Birr put up a brave fight. But, combined with some missed scoring opportunities at the stage when the game was in the balance, the loss of key regulars through injury ultimately undermined their challenge to a serious degree.

And, when it was all over and the Offaly side had been beaten for the first time in seven finals nobody could deny Andy Comerford's team the right to be champions just two years after making the breakthrough in Kilkenny.

Clearly motivated by their misfortune in not being able to put out their strongest team, Birr made a very impressive start to the game and were to generally stay in control for the opening 20 minutes.

They were strong and organised in defence, with John Paul O'Meara quick to make an impact in the left corner and Brian Whelahan hugely influential in the centre once he settled. And, their disciplined play meant they didn't gave away a scoreable free until late in the half.

However, the single most important element in their dominance was the inspired play of Rory Hanniffy at midfield, complemented by his accuracy from frees which gave him four points.

Progress may have been slow in attack where the loss of the injured players was mainly felt but Johnny Pilkington was to contribute two important points from full-forward.

Overall, Birr forwards created enough pressure to keep O'Loughlin's defence busy, but it was still significant that Brian Hogan was generally on top against Pilkington and that he received solid support throughout.

And, while Andy Comerford was confined to a largely holding role at centre-back, the end result was that Gary Hanniffy had no real say in the game.

At the other end, the Kilkenny champions were finding it difficult to penetrate at half-forward. And it was notable that Martin Comerford starting at full-forward but switching early to the half-forward line was confined to a minor role until later in the half.

Additionally, poor finishing was to cost them scores at a time when they could ill-afford them.

Only three points separated the teams (0-4 to 0-1) at the end of the first quarter, but the way the game was developing, it was clear that the initiative remained with Birr as long as O'Loughlin's continued to struggle for scores.

There were, however, signs of an improvement after Martin Comerford put over a great score in the 18th minute, even though Birr continued to look more lively around the field. But while they were more alert to breaking play, their advantage on the field was never reflected on the scoreboard.

Accordingly, while O'Loughlin's finished the half trailing by 0-7 to 0-4, it was obvious that the real challenge for both sides had still to be met. To the credit of players and management, O'Loughlin's confronted it head-on, with Jimmy Comerford's move from half-forward yielding an immediate benefit at midfield.

His powerful play had the effect of completely nullifying Rory Hanniffy and it also helped Alan Geoghegan to settle into the game. Earlier, Geoghegan had found it difficult after his partner Seamus Cummins was replaced, suffering from concussion after he was hurt in the opening in the opening minute.

As well as coming under increasing pressure, Birr were further handicapped by being even less successful in attack. A few early wides proved costly and by the time they got their next score late in the half, the game was as good as gone from them.

O'Loughlin's were in control in the full-back line, Andy Comerford blossomed to play his best hurling after Gary Hanniffy was moved off him and an overall improvement in the attack helped to produce some excellent scores.

Martin Comerford gave great leadership, Nigel Skehan was unerring in his free-taking (as in the semi-final, when he finished with eleven points) and Brian Dowling was seen at his best in the left corner. And, there was no let-up in Jimmy Comerford's work-rate further out.

The Birr score put over by substitute Paul Carroll (in the 51st minute) lifted their supporters as much as the team.

But, while they were able to put together a few promising scoring moves, they were going nowhere. The only real chance they had of a goal came in the 56th minute when Declan Pilkington gained possession from Paul O'Meara only to lose control and with it the opportunity to get in a strike.

* Without really distinguishing himself, referee John Kelly did a good job overall.

Scorers: O'Loughlin's: N. Skehan 0-8 (0-7 frees, 0-1 seventy); B. Dowling 0-2; M. Comerford, A. Geoghegan, N. Bergin, M. Nolan and C. Furlong 0-1 each.

Birr: R. Hanniffy 0-5 (0-4 frees); J. Pilkington 0-2; P. Carroll and Brian Whelahan (free) 0-1 each.

O'LOUGHLIN GAELS: K. Cleere; B. Kelly, B. Hogan, B. Murphy; A. O'Brien, A. Comerford (capt.), S. Dowling; S. Cummins, A. Geoghegan; M. Nolan, C. Furlong, B. Dowling; J. Comerford, M. Comerford, N. Skehan. Sub: N. Bergin for Cummins (injured 12th minute).

BIRR: B. Mullins; G. Cahill, J. Errity, J.P. O'Meara; N. Claffey (capt.), B. Whelahan, D. Franks; R. Hanniffy, S. Browne; P. O'Meara, G. Hanniffy, D. Hayden; M. Duane, J. Pilkington, D. Pilkington. Subs: Barry Whelahan for Duane (28th minute); P. Carroll for Barry Whelahan (47th).

Referee: J. Kelly (Wexford).

Attendance: 6,726.