Jack Sheedy’s back as Offaly falter

Longford 0-16 Offaly 0-13: In a streaky game where both sides thrived on confidence, ultimately Offaly’s lack of self-belief cost them when they saw the finishing line.

Pat Flanagan must wonder what his native county have to do to win a championship match. They’ve now had eight unsuccessful attempts in a row at cracking their provincial hoodoo, but this one forced their manager to question the side’s mental strength.

From three points down early on to seven points up in the second-half, it appeared as if nothing would stop Offaly. Their inability to keep making the right decisions cost them though as Longford punished their hesitance.