By half-time in Birr on Saturday, the renewed confidence in Dublin hurling following their seven-point victory over Limerick had faded. With the scoreboard reading Offaly 1-4, Dublin 0-0, Dublin's inability to convert one of eight clear-cut chances during those first 30 minutes was inexcusable.
Entertainment was confined entirely to the second half, when possession was converted into scores with acceptable regularity. Dublin freetaker Thomas McGrane, who missed five from five in the first half, scored five from six in the second. However, two Conor McCann points and one from Kevin Flynn was an unsatisfactory return from play by their forward division.
The Offaly goal, scored by Brian Whelahan after 20 minutes, failed to even provide a highlight.
OFFALY: S Byrne; P Mulhare, K Kinahan, M Hanamy; Barry Whelahan, H Rigney, K Martin; J Pilkington (0-4), Brian Whelahan (1-0); Johnny Dooley (0-4, 3 from frees), D Regan, C Farrell (0-1); M Duignan (0-1), J Errity, Joe Dooley. Subs: J Troy for Brian Whelehan (26th min), B Dooley (0-1) for Farrell (half-time).
DUBLIN: B McLoughlin; J Flanagan, S Power, D Spain; L Walsh, B O'Sullivan, D McLoughlin; M Fitzsimons, D Sweeney (0-1); S Martin, L Ryan, K Donoghue; T McGrane (0-5, all frees), C McCann (0-2), K Flynn (0-1). Subs: S Duignan for Fitzsimons (25 mins), E Carroll for Donoghue (53 mins).
Referee: P Aherne (Carlow).
