Tipp hurlers ease past Offaly

Tipperary 1-20 Offaly 0-10

2010 Hurler of the Year Lar Corbett saw action in the second half as Tipperary powered past Offaly in Nenagh today.

Gearoid Ryan's 21st-minute goal was the highlight of Tipperary's first half efforts as they turned around with a 1-09 to 0-08 advantage.

The Premier County were bidding for their second successive league win under new manager Declan Ryan and they were quick off the blocks.

Joe Bergin, who captained an injury-hit Offaly side, pointed them ahead before a Pa Bourke double and a point from Benny Dunne gave Tipp a 0-03 to 0-01 lead.

The hosts lost their skipper Eoin Kelly to a hand injury but Bourke and Dunne kept the scoreboard ticking over for a 0-06 to 0-04 buffer.

Brendan Maher stretched the lead to three points and Tipp increased the tempo courtesy of Ryan's goal, which came from a powerful run from Patrick Maher.

Brian Carroll took over the free-taking duties from the injured Shane Dooley and his three placed balls reduced the arrears for the Faithfuls. A late point from Michael Cordial made it a four-point game at the break.

Carroll did his best to keep Offaly in touch and Tipp's lead was down to 1-09 to 0-09 briefly. But Ryan's side dominated the remainder of the match to put the result beyond any doubt.

Corbett, who missed the first three league games through injury, was introduced after the break along with James Woodlock.

Tipp's veteran custodian Brendan Cummins had to be on his toes to save a shot from James Mulrooney, and Rory Hanniffy was doing well to keep tabs on Noel McGrath, one of Tipp's dangermen.

Daniel Currams registered Offaly's final score and it was all Tipperary after that. Pa Bourke took his tally to 0-07 as the All-Ireland champions climbed above Cork into fifth place in the Division 1 table.

Bottom side Offaly are up against it if they are to avoid relegation from the top flight, but their next game against fellow strugglers Wexford offers them a chance they must take.