Niall Claffey landed the dramatic last-minute point that gave Birr their third Offaly Senior Hurling championship in a row, at St Brendan's Park, Birr, yesterday.

The wind, rain and a drenched surface made the game a lottery at times. St Rynagh's settled the better, creating notable chances and they led by 0-6 to 0-5 at the interval.

While it was a very tense final, much drama was condensed into the last five minutes when Birr struck with two points to snatch the game.

Forward Eunan Martin had a chance to edge St Rynagh's ahead with a sideline cut when the teams were level late on, but the effort soared agonisingly wide.

St Rynagh's led by 0-3 to 0-1 a quarter of the way into the match after points by full-forward Fintan Dolan, Gary O'Connor and John Ryan. Simon Whelan pointed a free before Dolan and half-forward O'Connor notched further points for St Rynagh's. Gary Hanniffy and Simon Whelehan struck to leave a point in it at half-time.

St Rynagh's led by a point after the third quarter when Fintan Dolan pointed a free after Martin was fouled. The pendulum swung back Birr's way when Gary Hanniffy pointed to make it 0-9 each.

The final then went some 12 minutes before two late deliveries by Pilkington and Claffey swung the game in Birr's favour.

BIRR: B Mullins; G Cahill, J Errity, JP O'Meara; D Franks, B Whelehan, N Claffey 0-1; J Pilkington 0-1, B Whelehan 0-2; P Molloy, G Hanniffy 0-2, R Hanniffy; S Brown, D Pilkington 0-1, S Whelehan (capt) 0-4, 3 frees. Sub: L Power for S Brown (41 mins).

ST RYNAGH'S: D McDermott; A Clancy, M Hanamy, R Devery; H Rigney, D Kelly (capt), N Woods, G O'Connor 0-2, J Ryan 0-2, E Martin 0-2 (1 free), G Healy, F Dolan 0-4, 3 frees, K Kelly. Subs: D Tanner for N Woods (33 mins)

Referee: G Kirwan (Ballyskenagh)