Offaly’s footballers hit back at their critics with a surprisingly comfortable eight-point win over Monaghan on Saturday evening.
The Faithful County defeated the Farney men by 1-18 to 1-10 in the All-Ireland SFC first round qualifier at Tullamore’s O’Connor Park, with a spurt of scores either side of half-time leaving the Ulster side with no answer.
Offaly, who have been criticised for their social activities since they were trounced by Wexford in Leinster’s first round, served early notice of their intent to deliver the goods with Ken Casey and Niall McNamee getting their first two scores.
Paul Finlay got Monaghan off the mark, but they were then left reeling in the tenth minute when McNamee finished well to Mark Keogh’s net to raise a green flag.
Richie Dalton and Bernard Allen added further scores as the home side made it 1-5 to 0-1, but Monaghan then finally began to hit back. Conor McManus found the target twice with Finlay adding a free before the away side got a goal of their own.
Chris McGuinness was the man to put the ball to the back of Alan Mulhall’s net, receiving a fine pass from Bernard O'Brien before whalloping home. And soon Monaghan were level with the home side, with the scoreboard showing 1-6 for both sides.
However, the first half was finished stronger by Offaly, who bagged two more points form Ciaran McManus and Stephen Lonergan to lead by two at the break. They then scored five more before Offaly could get on the board in the second period.
McNamee and McManus were devastating in this spell and though Monaghan got a few back – including a stunning long range effort from O’Brien - they could never get close to Tom Cribbin’s side again.
A bad year for the Eamonn McEneaney-managed Farney is now over after relegation from Allianz Football League Division One and their two championship losses. Offaly finished the stronger to complete the win and earn themselves a drink and another day out.