Dooley’s faith repaid

AT the Gaelic Grounds on Saturday evening last, Limerick became the first major casualty of the latest version of the All-Ireland qualifying system when they were dumped from the championship by a young and resurgent Offaly side.

While Limerick were only a pale shadow of the side that thrilled hurling supporters last year, this was a superb performance by Offaly, a 180-degree turnaround from the second half flop in their 18-point Leinster semi-final loss to Kilkenny.

“I was very impressed with Offaly,” said Limerick manager Richie Bennis, a sentiment shared by all in the 8,552 attendance. “But we didn’t hurl and made them look good. We conceded two easy goals again, more or less a replica of the Clare match.” All very true on another sad day for Limerick hurling. They weren’t just outgoaled by Offaly, they were outpointed and comprehensively outhurled.