Kilkenny finish with a flourish

Offaly 1-13 Kilkenny 1-19

A nip and tuck first-half saw Offaly go in 0-9 to 0-8 in front, and a goal from a Stephen Quirke free in the 39th minute cancelled out a good start to the second half from the Cats. Substitute Michael Brennan put Kilkenny back in front with a well taken finish from a tight angle and once Quirke had a penalty saved by Aaron Duggan with seven minutes remaining, Kilkenny powered home with five points in succession to close out the victory.

Scorers for Offaly: S Quirke 1-10, 1-6f, T Geraghty 0-2, A Kealey 0-1.