Offaly progress as Limerick crash out

Limerick 0-14 Offaly 1-18

Mike McNamara's Offaly extended their championship run and ended Limerick's with a seven point win at Thurles.

A fifth-minute goal proved the crucial score as Limerick's defence was caught napping. Brendan Murphy was allowed solo through from midfield and kicked to the net for his sixth championship goal.

The Faithful County were to lead by that goal for much of the game and went in at the break 1-9 to 0-10 ahead.

Offaly led by 1-11 to 0-11 10 minutes into the second half, and when Limerick sent three successive frees wide, the writing was on the wall as they spurned their chance to level.

The introduction of Ciarán Carey and Simon Whelehan, both involved in controversy at the weekend, were greeted with roars from the 12,500 crowd.

Offaly began to edge ahead and double strikes from Barry Whelehan and Rory Hanniffy stretched the lead and sent Limerick out and Offaly to the quarter-finals.