We're calling it Pillar Watch now. Plenty has been made of Paul Caffrey's unique media technique since he became Dublin manager three years ago. (Paul doesn't mince words. Actually, he doesn't use many words at all.)

Caffrey does not like a host of dictaphones thrust under his nose minutes after a match. And he ain't changing for no man. By and large, the reporters have learned to avoid any frivolous questions that might mean a curtailed interview. No gentle prodding here, folks; straight shooting all the way.

Yesterday's two minutes and 20 seconds are par for the course. We couldn't survive with anything less.

Considering none of the Dublin players speak to the press, outside of sponsorship functions, Caffrey is the only source for reaction.

It means the hard questions are not always asked. At least Offaly manager Pat Roe broached the flaw everyone knows burdens this Dublin team.

"Dublin did their usual. They disappeared for 15 minutes and we scored a point. That's not good enough," he said.

Have Dublin improved since they beat your Wexford side two years ago in the Leinster semi-final?

"No. Truthfully no. I've always said they are very workmanlike. What they have now is a solid team look about them. I'd be worried for Dublin that they disappear out of the game. There were times when we had a lot of possession today and if we had been a bit more productive with it we would have troubled them a bit more."

Roe admitted Offaly were distinctly second best but felt any chance of a revival was dented by the refereeing of Michael Collins in the lead-up to Alan Brogan's 37th-minute goal.

"Lads, there were about four different fouls. It was a square ball, he was pushed (Joe Quinn by Mark Vaughan). That happens. I'm not going to use that as a reason why we lost. It was a crucial moment, no doubt about that. We scored the first point of the second half. The goal shouldn't have been a goal but there you go. It happens.

"Referees don't lose games. Players do. There was a couple of times I was frustrated with him but he didn't lose us the game."

Back to Pillar Watch. To Mr Caffrey's credit, he did address the issue of Dublin's tendency to fade out of these occasions.

"We started strongly. Played some fantastic football for 15 minutes but then lost our concentration. Took our foot off the pedal and gave them a little bit of hope before half-time. Offaly tried very hard and the goal took a big sting out of the game when it came."

Not much to be learned here?

"We'll have to learn lots or I don't think we will be retaining our Delaney Cup."

After the Meath replay, fatigue was always going to be a serious factor for amateurs?

"It was obvious we weren't as fresh. We couldn't train on Tuesday night. We played football for 15 minutes on Thursday and nothing yesterday. The Meath games took a huge amount out of the players but we're relieved now to be back in another Leinster final."

That was as far as the elaboration process went.

Is Jason Sherlock looking good for a starting role?

"We'll see."

Stilted praise followed for the new fullback Ross McConnell.

"Well, you know he has three championship games under his belt now. He looks comfortable in there. I'm sure there are little individual things he will be looking to improve. There are a few more players blooded in Dublin jerseys which augurs well." Was Collie Moran injured? "He looked very tired to me . . . alright, lads."

And then he's gone. Until the cúpla focal on July 15th.