Offaly and Cork battle through

Offaly and Cork cemented their places in the All-Ireland senior championship quarter-finals following play-off victories over Kilkenny and Tipperary respectively.

Elaine Dermody’s 48th minute goal broke the Kilkenny resistance as Offaly secured a 2-13 to 1-11 win in Birr.

The hosts had a great start with an Arlene Watkins’ goal after seven minutes but Kilkenny, led by Katie Power and Miriam Walsh, stormed back. Power goaled as the Cats led 1-6 to 1-5 at half-time. With Siobhán Flannery driving them on from midfield, Offaly edged in front. Then came Dermody’s goal which sucked the life from the Kilkenny challenge.