Although they reproduced their Leinster title-winning form only in second-half spasms, Offaly, nevertheless, made a winning start to their Section C campaign in the NFL in Tullamore by defeating Monaghan by 1-12 to 1-8. Offaly made poor use of first-half wind advantage and turned over with a 1-6 to 1-3 interval lead that suggested they had a fight on their hands to survive. Their position would have been a good deal more comfortable had their forwards not been so wasteful. Despite being given a flying start through a Peter Brady goal after only three minutes, they shot an untidy eight first-half wides. They also missed a penalty awarded when Vincent Claffey was hauled down when clean through, Ciaran McManus shooting straight at goalkeeper John O'Connor from the spot. On the change of ends, Offaly looked sharper and consistently won possession in the air. They were unable, however, to shake off a persistent visiting side completely, for Monaghan kept within three points until the 59th minute when substitute Vincent Mooney scored the insurance point which clinched victory for the home side with his first touch of the ball.

A win is a win, but Offaly team boss, Tommy Lyons, is unlikely to have been impressed by this performance and will be calling for improvement with more testing assignments coming up away to Dublin on Sunday week and home to All-Ireland champions, Kerry, two weeks later.

Carlow champions St Mullins cruised into the next round of the club championship with a comfortable, 2-6 to 0-9 victory over a spirited Naomh Moninne side in St Bridget's Park, Dundalk, yesterday.The visitors were the much better side throughout the hour.