Dooley stars for Tullamore

FOR the first occasion since 1988, four-time All-Ireland club champions Birr won’t be involved in the Offaly SHC semi-finals, after they were defeated 0-11 to 0-10 by reigning champions Tullamore at O’Connor Park on Saturday.

Shane Dooley was once again in magnificent form, grabbing eight points, thereby increasing his six-game championship total to 6-47.

Birr, with Simon Whelahan, Gary Hanniffy, Thomas Bolger and Bryan Lonergan supplying the scores, led 0-7 to 0-5 at the interval after playing with the wind. With Stephen Egan, Brendan Dagg and Mark Conlon shining in defence, Tullamore, without the suspended Kevin Martin and injured full back Cillian Bane, got a stranglehold on proceedings.