Bergin scoring spree sinks battling DIT

A magnificent 16-point haul by full-forward Joe Bergin helped Ollie Baker’s Offaly retain their grip on the Bord na Mona Walsh Shield following a hard-earned extra-time victory over the students of DIT at O’Connor Park, Tullamore yesterday.

DIT, boosted by Paudge Phelan’s goal and the dead ball accuracy of Dublin’s David Treacy, led 1-6 to 0-8 at half-time.

And they held a single point advantage, 0-15 to 1-11, when Bergin converted a free to force extra-time.

In the energy-sapping heavy underfoot conditions, Offaly restricted DIT, who included Offaly panellist James Mulrooney at midfield and his brother James at left half-back, to only two points during extra-time. And then the on-fire Bergin and the vastly experienced Brendan Murphy supplied the scores that sealed the deal.

Scorers for Offaly: J Bergin 0-16 (0-8fs, 1 65), D Mooney, B Murphy 0-2 each, M Verney, J Rigney 0-1 each.

Scorers for DIT: D Tracey 0-8fs, P Phelan 1-1, A McInerney 0-2, N Quinn, D Curran (65), M Maloney 0-1 each.

OFFALY: E Kelly; B Watkins, D Kenny, S Wynne; B Harding, C McDonald, B Mulrooney; M Verney, C Mahon; C Egan, D Molloy, M Morkan; B Murphy, J Bergin, D Mooney.

Subs: J Rigney for Mahon (ht), T Carroll for Mulrooney (50), G Healion for Molloy (58), R Hanniffy for McDonald (80), S Ryan for Carroll (80).

DIT: F McGarry; L Prendergast, O Walsh, D English; D Curran, P Hartley, J Diviney; J Mulrooney, C O’Shaughnessy; P Morris, M Maloney, A McInerney; N Quinn, D Treacy, Paudge Phelan.

Subs: P Kenny for Morris (51), J McManus for Phelan (56), P Elliot for O’Shaughnessy (60), B Campion for Mulrooney (64), P Morris for Elliot (80), Mulrooney for McManus (81).

Referee: A Stapleton (Laois).