OFFALY/SH Final: Birr produced a tour de force to cruise to their fourth title in a row when defeating newcomers Kilcormac/Killoughey in the Offaly hurling final at St Brendan's Park, Birr, yesterday.

Apart from one or two scares early on, Birr were rarely in trouble and came through on an eight-point winning margin at the finish. Birr led Kilcormac by 3-4 to 1-4 at the interval before adding eight points to carry them to victory in the second half.

Four goals were scored in the first half; Kilcormac caused a shock in the sixth minute when defender Mark Hand's free went all the way to the net.

Birr rallied and struck with three goals in a 13-minute spell that gave them a lead of 3-3 to 1-3 in the 22nd minute. Rory Hanniffy hit a superb solo goal in the 18th minute followed by another goal from the impressive Simon Whelahan, his second goal of the contest; The Birr man finished the game with a highly creditable tally of 2-5.

Birr's margin of victory should have been a lot greater, but they hit 12 second-half wides. Kilcormac/Killoughey kept in touch with points from John Leahy from frees and Colm Cassidy and then struck with a late consolation goal in injury time by David Gleeson.

BIRR: B Mullins; G Cahill, J Errity, JP O'Meara; D Franks, Brian Whelahan (0-1, free), N Claffey; Barry Whelahan, R Hanniffy (1-1); P Molloy, J Pilkington (0-1), G Hanniffy (0-2); L Power, D Pilkington, S Whelahan (2-5, 3 frees, 1 65). Subs: D Hayden (0-1) for Power (41mins); M Dwane (0-1) for D Pilkington (inj).

KILCORMAC/KILLOUGHEY: S Byrne; J Flynn, H Kilmartin (capt), S Spain; K McConville, M Hand (1-0 free), J Flaherty; M Murray, K Rigney; P Cummins, T Spain, C Cassidy (0-3, 2 frees), J Leahy (0-4, frees), G Healion, P Leonard. Subs: J Wynne for P Leonard; M Leonard for G Healion (both half-time); D Gleeson (1-0) for P Cummins (50 mins); A Kenna for T S (inj); N Leavy for K Rigney(55 mins).

Referee: Brendan Keeshan (Shinrone).

Birr ... 3-12

Kilcormac/Killoughey ... 2-7