Offaly girls skin Cats for second time this season

The rise of Offaly camogie continues apace. Last Saturday, Offaly booked a place in the All-Ireland senior championship quarter-finals, as an impressive performance against Kilkenny secured a five-point victory in this play-off at St Brendan's Park, Birr. This was the second time for Offaly to beat Kilkenny in this year's championship, having also defeated the Noresiders in the Leinster championship. Siobhan Flannery marked her return to the Offaly team with a player of the match performance, the St Rynagh's player contributing six points. Elaine Dermody was also in excellent scoring form, notching 1-6, and it was the full-forward's goal with 12 minutes remaining that effectively sealed the victory. Shinrone's Michaela Morkan was also an hugely influential figure at centre-forward. Offaly were one point in arrears at half-time (1-6 to 1-5) but the Faithful County girls took command in the second period. John Troy's charges had an ideal start to the game with an early goal from Arlene Watkins easing them into a 1-4 to 0-2 lead inside the opening 20 minutes. Flannery, Dermody and Morkan were all on target during this spell of Offaly dominance. However, aided by a 22nd-minute goal from Katie Power, the Cats responded in determined fashion. Points from Noelle Maher, Miriam Walsh and Power saw the visitors hit the front before the half-time whistle. Shortly after the resumption, Kilkenny added to their slender lead with a couple of points from frees, but Offaly soon took a firm grip on proceedings. With Siobhan Flannery stamping her authority on the contest and scoring a string of points, Offaly laid the platform for victory. Goalkeeper Eleanor Clendennen also proved her worth with several good saves which thwarted the Cats' hopes of regaining the initiative. With Offaly holding a two-point lead (1-10 to 1-8), Dermody struck for the all-important second goal. The Drumcullen player fielded a delivery from Sheila Sullivan and showed her skill by placing the sliotar to the net. Although Aoife replied by converting a '45', Offaly would not be denied and further points from Dermody, Flannery and Watkins put the seal on Offaly's win. Offaly now march on to the quarter-finals - which are due to take place on August 4 - while Kilkenny must face Dublin in a winner-takes-all clash for a quarter-final place. Tipperary meet Clare in the other play-off, which will decide the remaining quarter-final berth, with both play-offs set to take place in Portlaoise this Saturday. Scorers Offaly: E. Dermody 1-3 (0-2f); S. Flannery 0-6 (2f); A. Watkins 1-1; M. Morkan 0-3. Kilkenny: K. Power 1-2; A. Neary 0-5 (4f, 0-1 '45'); M. Walsh 0-3; N. Maher 0-1. Offaly: Eleanor Clendennen; Karen Brady, Triona McDonald, Sheila Sullivan; Linda Sullivan, Lorraine Keena, Marion Crean; Siobhan Flannery, Fiona Stephens; Tina Hannon, Michaela Morkan, Jean Brady; Aoife Kelly, Elaine Dermody, Arlene Watkins. Subs used: Orlaith Kirwan for A. Kelly; Eimear Mooney for J. Brady. Kilkenny: Catriona Ryan; Caoimhe Shiel, Catherine Doherty, Ruth Jones; Kate McDonald, Elaine Aylward, Jacqui Frisby; Niamh Byrne, Grace Walsh; Edel Maher, Katie Power, Noelle Maher; Michelle Quilty, Aoife Neary, Miriam Walsh. Subs used: Kellie Hamilton for N. Byrne. Referee: Owen Elliott (Antrim).