McNamee paves the way for Offaly

A 30th minute goal from top-scorer Niall McNamee helped to pave the way to a facile 3-19 to 0-8 win over Carlow, in Division 4 of the Allianz National Football league at Dr. Cullen Park this afternoon.

McNamee finished with 1-6, as Offaly led by 1-7 to 0-6 at the interval but really turned on the style in the second half, to ensure a 20 points rout at the finish.

Offaly led by 2-18 to 0-6 in the 65th minute, following a Ciarán McManus goal as two points for Brian Kelly in the closing stages were Carlow's only scores of the second half.

Thomas Deehan completed Offaly's amazing scoring display with his sides third goal, the final score of the contest.

At Ardfinnan Clare looked like the in-form team after racing into a 1-2 to 0-0 lead after 10 minutes thanks to a Michael Ó Sé goal. The visitors failed to score again until the second half with Tipperary emerging 0-13 to 1-7 winners at the finish.

It was strong performances from brothers Barry and Seamus Grogan which ensured victory, with Barry scoring eight points in the game.

Meanwhile Wicklow emerged 1-16 to 0-13 winners at Fraher Field over Waterford, in a game which looked like finishing level, such was the close nature of this contest for the most-part.

However a 60th minute penalty goal from Paul Earls ensured that deadlock was firmly broken, as Wicklow edged in front and held on to a hard earned lead in the final minutes.