5.
5 – Rory Egan - 2024 ended up disappointingly for Rory Egan but he has bounced back very well and had a very good league campaign. He has got back to his 2021 U20 form and motored well here, defending competently and racing forward when he could. He was particularly influential in the second half. Rating – 8.
6.
6 – John Furlong - John Furlong is as good a footballer as Offaly has produced in years and he has been excellent in recent games. He is great going forward but Kildare had a very physical set up around midfield and the half forward line, which meant he had to stay at home for the most part with only the occasional adventure up the field. He worked very hard and ran himself into the ground while he almost got in for a goal when he did attack. Rating – 7.
7.
7 – Cormac Egan - Cormac Egan has brought his football to a new level this year. His speed, his great surges forward and the way he can produce the unexpected is well known but he has brought a huge, great new factor to the table this year: real leadership qualities where he can grab the game by the scruff of the neck, inspire all around him and drive his side to victory. He was one of the players that did that here and he was phenomenal in the second half. His goal was pivotal to victory and it was a great strike as he had very little space to operate in before slotting it home. His work rate and desire is inspirational and this was another sensational display. One of the most genuinely exciting Offaly footballers I have seen in my time. Rating – 9.
8.
8 – Jack McEvoy - The work rate of Offaly around the midfield zone played a big part in the win. They struggled to win high ball as the second half wore on and that is crucial in the modern game where goalies are often forced to go long with kickouts but the Offaly midfield diamond worked so hard to make sure it didn't cost the game. Jack McEvoy was one of the many players who drained every ounce of energy as he blocked runs and tracked players. He made a couple of mistakes but did a lot of very solid work as well as kicking a point. Rating – 7.