Dublin hurlers fail to beat Offaly

Offaly 1-20, Dublin 1-14 (full-time)

Marty Morris' young charges failed to further their participation in the Guinness Hurling qualifiers and as a side, failed to win over a Dublin crowd more intent on and content in witnessing their footballers win over Laois.

A goal just before the midpoint of the second half from teenager Michael Carton gave Dublin some hope and a 1-13 to 0-18 deficit to cut into.

Their first half tally of 0-09, equalled by Offaly, had been largely scored off the hurl of Mossy McGrane (0-07).

The two Whelehans, Simon and Barry were best on the day for the Faithful County play and points-wise.

They were also served well by Ronan Fallon and their goalscorer and dual player Neville Coughlan, who beat Brendan McLoughlin between his posts with seven minutes remaining.