Offaly dice with danger before securing safety

Offaly 1-10 Limerick 0-12

Offaly did just enough to edge out Limerick in Tullamore today (Sunday), thereby securing their place in Division 3 of the Allianz Football League for next year.

Despite coming into the game already relegated, Limerick threatened to pull off a shock win and they led by 0-6 to 0-4 at half-time.

A goal from Ferbane's Cathal Flynn - who punished an error by Limerick goalkeeper Josh Ryan early in the second half - gave Offaly the impetus for their eventual victory at Glenisk O'Connor Park. Still, Offaly found it difficult to shake off the stubborn visitors, for whom Cathal Downes impressed.

As things transpired, Wicklow's defeat to Antrim (1-14 to 0-14) would have ensured Offaly avoid relegation in any case. But Wicklow certainly didn't go down without a fight and Offaly fans who were keeping an eye on proceedings in both Tullamore and Belfast would have endured plenty of nervy moments.

Offaly ended the Limerick clash with 13 men after the impressive Dylan Hyland (who was top scorer with five points) and substitute Nigel Dunne were both dismissed in added time. Indeed, the game finished in scrappy fashion with Limerick also losing Robbie Childs to a black card close to the end.

Surely relieved to avoid dropping down to the bottom tier, Offaly's focus will now turn to the Leinster SFC quarter-final with neighbours Laois on Saturday, April 13. For their part, Laois have secured promotion from Division 4 along with Leitrim.

Offaly: Ian Duffy; David Dempsey, John Furlong (0-1), Lee Pearson; Cormac Egan, Declan Hogan, Peter Cunningham; Eoin Carroll, Jack McEvoy; Dylan Hyland (0-5), Ruairí McNamee, Jordan Hayes; Cathal Flynn (1-0), Jack Bryant (0-1f), Keith O'Neill (0-1, mark). Subs used: Anton Sullivan (0-1) for McNamee (40 mins), Nigel Dunne for Bryant (46), Nathan Poland (0-1, mark) for Hayes (50), Jack O'Brien for Pearson (62), Kevin McDermott for Sullivan (inj., 67).

Limerick: Josh Ryan; Darren O'Doherty, Sean O'Dea, Brian O'Sullivan; Barry Coleman (0-1), Iain Corbett, Paul Maher; Tommy Childs, Cillian Fahy; Robbie Childs (0-1), Cathal Downes (0-3), James Naughton (0-4, 4f); Jamie Baynham, Danny Neville, Bryan Nix. Subs used: Peter Nash (0-1) for Baynham (35 mins +2), Shane Costelloe (0-1) for Corbett (H-T), Diarmuid Kelly (0-1f) for Nix (60).

Referee: John Gilmartin (Sligo).