Hurling qualifiers: Beaten All-Ireland finalists Limerick's championship campaign has ended in bitter disappointment as they were dumped out of the qualifiers by a resurgent Offaly at the Gaelic Grounds.
Joe Bergin was the Faithful hero, grabbing a hat-trick of goals as the visitors triumphed 3-19 to 0-18, but Offaly's impressive team display could not mask a performance of woeful ineptitude by Limerick.
Offaly raced out of the blocks, making the most of a helpful breeze to open an early lead and two of Bergin's three goals merely served to underline their almost total dominance.
Leading 2-11 to 0-6 at the break, Offaly weren't about to throw away their advantage in the second-half and having weathered the predictable early fightback - where Limerick fired over four unanswered points - calmly set about re-establishing their authority.
Bergin nonchalantly registered his third despite the close attendance of Stephen Lucey to put the result beyond doubt as Joe Dooley's side proved they remain a force to be reckoned with this year.
Earlier, Cork advanced to the next round of the qualifiers with a 1-17 to 0-15 win but looked far from comfortable against a resilient Dublin at Páirc Uí Chaoimh.
Leading by four (0-10 to 0-6) at the interval, Cork looked vulnerable after the break until Joe Deane pounced on a Gary Maguire error to hit the back of the net and, to a certain extent, settle the nerves.
Nevertheless, Dublin refused accept their underdog status and pushed the home side all the way. For their part, Cork will be well aware of the need to up their performance levels if they hope to mount a serious All-Ireland challenge.