SUNDAY'S 1-27 to 2-20 National Hurling League Division 1B final loss to Waterford resulted in very mixed emotions for the squad and supporters. Inevitable disappointment at the defeat was tapered by the realisation that it could have been an awful lot worse. 1-25 to 1-10 behind with just fifteen minutes left, Offaly looked to be heading for a defeat in excess of 20 points but showed great character to get back into it and reduce the gap to four points. A definite penalty when Brian Duignan's hurl was held was not given would have made a difference, though it didn't seem that important at the time. Considering the way they had been outplayed for 55 minutes, a four point defeat was not bad at all for Offaly and almost felt like a victory in some ways. Having said that, the opening 55 minutes can't be ignored either and management will be analysing this ahead of a tough Leinster championship campaign. CLICK ON THE ARROWS ABOVE TO GO THROUGH ALL THE RATINGS

placeholder image — SUNDAY'S 1-27 to 2-20 National Hurling League Division 1B final loss to Waterford resulted in very mixed emotions for the squad and supporters. Inevitable disappointment at the defeat was tapered by the realisation that it could have been an awful lot worse. 1-25 to 1-10 behind with just fifteen minutes left, Offaly looked to be heading for a defeat in excess of 20 points but showed great character to get back into it and reduce the gap to four points. A definite penalty when Brian Duignan's hurl was held was not given would have made a difference, though it didn't seem that important at the time. Considering the way they had been outplayed for 55 minutes, a four point defeat was not bad at all for Offaly and almost felt like a victory in some ways. Having said that, the opening 55 minutes can't be ignored either and management will be analysing this ahead of a tough Leinster championship campaign. CLICK ON THE ARROWS ABOVE TO GO THROUGH ALL THE RATINGS

PLAYER RATINGS: How the Offaly hurlers rated in their loss to Waterford

By Kevin Corrigan

Midland and Tullamore Tribune Sports Editor

Published 7th Apr 2025, 15:33 GMT

CLICK ON THE ARROWS ABOVE TO GO THROUGH ALL THE RATINGS 1 – Mark Troy - Mark Troy did well in the Offaly goals. He made a couple of good saves, wasn't at fault in anyway for the Waterford goal and his puckouts were decent, once he sharpened up on them in the second half. . Rating – 8.

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CLICK ON THE ARROWS ABOVE TO GO THROUGH ALL THE RATINGS 1 – Mark Troy - Mark Troy did well in the Offaly goals. He made a couple of good saves, wasn't at fault in anyway for the Waterford goal and his puckouts were decent, once he sharpened up on them in the second half. . Rating – 8.

CLICK ON THE ARROWS ABOVE TO GO THROUGH ALL THE RATINGS 2 – Ben Conneely - On a testing day for the Offaly defence, Ben Conneely had a generally solid game and didn't do much wrong, as well as mopping up good ball. Rating – 7.

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CLICK ON THE ARROWS ABOVE TO GO THROUGH ALL THE RATINGS 2 – Ben Conneely - On a testing day for the Offaly defence, Ben Conneely had a generally solid game and didn't do much wrong, as well as mopping up good ball. Rating – 7.

3 – Ciaran Burke - Ciaran Burke encountered some problems as Waterford came through in waves but stuck with it, kept battling and played his way into the game. Rating – 7.

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3 – Ciaran Burke - Ciaran Burke encountered some problems as Waterford came through in waves but stuck with it, kept battling and played his way into the game. Rating – 7.

4 – Padraig Cantwell - With James Mahon suspended, Padraig Cantwell was selected at corner back. The Shamrocks man tried very hard without being comfortable and was replaced after 41 minutes. - Rating – 6.

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4 – Padraig Cantwell - With James Mahon suspended, Padraig Cantwell was selected at corner back. The Shamrocks man tried very hard without being comfortable and was replaced after 41 minutes. - Rating – 6.

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