Offaly opened their account in the O'Byrne Cup by defeating Carlow 0-11 to 1-7 in Tullamore yesterday, but they had to rely on an injury-time point by their full back Ger Rafferty to squeeze through.

With neither side anywhere close to full strength, this was a poor game watched by no more than 300 or so spectators. A goal by Willie Quinlan within three minutes of the throw-in gave Carlow a lead which they held until five minutes from the end.

Wexford held Kildare in Newbridge (0-11 to 1-8) when Padraig Curtis popped up to shoot a last-gasp equaliser. They got off to a flying start when full forward John Hegarty availed of a defensive lapse to slot home the only goal of the game in the 10th minute.

Wicklow edged out Laois at Portarlington by 1-10 to 1-9. Ten minutes before half-time Wicklow were awarded the penalty which Don Jackman dispatched to the Laois net. Jonathan Behan, Wicklow's outstanding player, got through for the winning point a minute before full-time.

In Saturday's club hurling matches, Blackrock became the first Cork side in 10 years to reach the Munster final after a hard-fought 1-14 to 1-11 victory over Limerick champions Adare at Pβirc U∅ Chaoimh on Saturday.

Their goal was scored by David Cashman in the 44th minute and Alan Browne was their top scorer with 10 points while Conor Fitzgerald hit 0-9 of Adare's total.

In Leinster, Kilkenny champions O'Loughlin Gaels scored their expected easy win over Dublin side Craobh Chiarain, winning by 2-21 to 0-5 with half forward Nigel Skehan giving a superb performance.

Louth club Knockbridge caused a minor surprise with a 2-8 to 0-7 win over Trim.