Offaly 4-22 Kilkenny 1-6OFFALY EXTENDED their unbeaten league run with an emphatic victory over Kilkenny in Tullamore yesterday to be assured of promotion.The visitors, playing into a stiff breeze, led 1-1 to 0-1 lead by the fourth minute, the goal coming from Philip Roche.

But goals by David Egan had Offaly in front by 2-1 to 1-1 by the seventh minute. After that it was plain sailing as they led 2-12 to 1-4 at the break. Niall McNamee contributed a further 2-5.

OFFALY: P Kelly; G Rafferty (0-2), S Brady, B Darby; S Lonergan, R Fox, N Grennan (0-1); N Smith, C McManus (0-2, one free, one 45); J Coughlan (0-3), G Comerford (0-2), D Egan (2-2); J O'Hara (0-3), N Coughlan, N McNamee (2-7, 0-5 frees). Sub: Niall Kelly for N Coughlan (39 mins).

KILKENNY: JJ Sullivan; A Mackey, P Donovan, J J Brennan; M Morrissey, N Roche, M Grace; M Mahony, P Sheehan; P Roche (1-1), S Mahony, D Herity; E Brennan (0-5, frees), J Maher, M Saunders. Subs: J Cahill for Sheehan, L Brennan for Herity (both 52 mins), S Flynn for JJ Brennan (61 mins), M Lyons for Saunders, J Mackey for Morrissey (both 64 mins).

Referee: P Daly (Westmeath).