Offaly lift Division Two title

Offaly 1-10 Down 1-8

Offaly, inspired by the brilliant Ciaran McManus, lifted the National Football League Division Two title with a two-points win over Down at Croke Park.

After trailing for most of the first half, they turned on the power after the break, and a Neville Coughlan goal set them on their way to victory.

"We're delighted with the victory but a bit disappointed with our performance," said manager Gerry Fahey, a national title winner in his first season in charge.

Liam Doyle, from a free, and Daniel Hughes eased Down into an early lead, and it wasn't until the 15th minute that Ciaran McManus got Offaly's first score, converting a long range free.

The Leinster side almost had a goal moments later, but Michael McVeigh pulled off a superb save from Barry Mooney.

With McManus and James Grennan beginning to gain the edge in midfield, Offaly grew in strength as the half progressed.

After Benny Coulter and Doyle had extended Down's lead, Offaly reeled off three scores in quick succession, from McManus (2) and a brilliant long range effort from Grennan.

Down had two glorious goal chances in injury-time, first Pauric Kelly saving heroically from Gregory McCartan, then McManus blocking Dan Gordon's effort.

The sides were level at 0-5 each at the break, but Offaly made a roaring start to the second half.

After Roy Malone had given them the lead for the first time, McManus powered forward for another score, and full forward Neville Coughlan raced through for a wonderful solo goal in the 47th minute.

Corner back Scott Brady extended the lead to six, but within moments Down hit back with a goal, Shane Ward taking Coulter's pass to blast to the roof of the net from close range.

But Offaly, with McManus an inspirational figure at midfield, never allowed their grip on the contest to slacken.

McManus thumped over another long range free, and substitute James Coughlan restored the four-point lead, and all Down could manage in reply was two Michael Walsh frees.