Offaly SHC Final/ Birr 0-20 Coolderry 0-5: Birr regained the Offaly senior hurling title in some style against the holders at St Brendan's Park, Birr yesterday.

Twelve months ago Birr's bid for a sixth title in succession was ended in the final by Coolderry but Birr were determined to make amends this year.

Captain Barry Whelahan led the way with an inspirational performance and he was strongly supported by Joe Errity, Paul Cleary, Brian Whelahan, Rory Hanniffy and Simon Whelahan.

In all 10 Birr players got on the scoresheet while Coolderry struggled and managed only a single point in the second half.Coolderry made a string of switches but to no avail.

The sides were level 0-2 each after 11 minutes but from there on Birr took control, quickly opening a four-point lead and by the interval were six points in front, 0-10 to 0-4.

Coolderry were expected to make a strong challenge on the resumption but it never materialised. Birr hit seven points in a row before Coolderry scored their only point of the half.

BIRR: B Mullins; JP O'Meara, P Cleary, N Rodgers; Brian Whelahan (0-1), J Errity, N Claffey; Barry Whelahan (0-1), P Molloy (0-2); R Hanniffy (0-4), G Hanniffy (0-2), S Browne (0-2); D Hayden (0-1), S Whelahan (0-4), M Dwane (0-2). Subs: M Verney for Brian Whelahan, D Pilkington (0-1) for Dwane. S Ryan for Hayden, L Power for S Whelahan.

COOLDERRY: S O'Connor; T Corcoran, B O'Meara, A Corcoran; K Brady, J Brady, B Teehan; M Corcoran, A Hall; C Parlon, B Carroll, J Masterson (0-1); D Masterson (0-1), P Teehan, D Murray (0-2). Subs: Dermot Dooley (0-1) for Danny Masterson, P Hudson for J Masterson, K Teehan for P Teehan. D Dooley for Parlon.

Referee: T Carroll (Kinnitty).